Vinicius Jr., a star player for Real Madrid, expressed in an interview with CNN that he has noticed a shift in how racism is addressed in Spain, particularly in football stadiums. He pointed out that racists are now more hesitant to openly express their views in environments where cameras are present. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Vinicius has not only excelled as a footballer but also emerged as a key figure in the fight against racism within Spanish football.
Vinicius has faced numerous racist attacks from rival fans, with a notable incident occurring at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium in May 2023, which led to the arrest of three fans. He has also encountered racism at other venues, including those of Barcelona, Mallorca, Real Valladolid, Sevilla, and in derbies against Atletico Madrid. In response to these incidents, Vinicius stated that he and his teammates are prepared to leave the pitch if they experience racist behavior during matches this season, advocating for harsher consequences for those responsible.
Reflecting on the current situation, Vinicius mentioned that while racism may still exist, the fear of repercussions and exposure has made racist fans more cautious. He expressed optimism that these changes are gradually helping to reduce racism in Spain, acknowledging that while it may not be entirely eradicated, the progress made so far is a significant step forward.
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