Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has said he and his team-mates will walk off the pitch if they suffer racist abuse.
The 24-year-old Brazil international has been targeted with racist abuse from opposition fans in stadiums and on social media platforms.
In March, the forward broke down in tears during an emotional press conference as he said that racism was getting worse because perpetrators were going unpunished and he felt “less and less like playing football”.
“We do need to leave the field so things can change as soon as possible,” Vinicius Jr told CNN.
“At the club, we talk about it more. Not just me, but all (the) players said that if that happens, the next time everyone has to leave the pitch. So that all of those people who insulted us have to pay a much bigger penalty.
“Today I already see and feel the difference in Spain. Maybe (some supporters in the stadiums) are still racists but nowadays they are afraid to express themselves in the football field, and in places where there are a lot of cameras.
“And with that we will reduce racism, little by little. Of course, we won’t be able to end it, but I’m already happy that I’m being able to change Spain’s mindset.”
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In June, three people were sentenced to eight months in prison in Spain after being found guilty of racially abusing Vinicius Jr in May 2023 during a La Liga fixture at Valencia.
That was the first conviction for racist insults in a football stadium in Spain.
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(Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
