Not only did Vinicius Junior receive a racist insult from Benfica player Gianluca Prestiani during Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica, the Brazilian star also endured racist gestures from a young fan in the stands, as seen on video. The Champions League’s anti-racism protocol was triggered after Gianluca’s alleged insult, but it lasted about 10 minutes and appears to have achieved little.
Repeated racist incidents raise deeper questions. How can we truly eradicate racism from football if it continues to manifest itself on and off the pitch?
As the players cross the line, young fans follow
Fans, especially younger fans, may feel encouraged when players push their limits into heated interactions or when role models fail to set the right example. If disrespectful acts by idols become the norm, it will become easier for supporters to imitate them. This dynamic was brought to light when some young Benfica fans made an unacceptable gesture, an issue that has been repeated across stadiums in Europe.
Sanctions, stadium bans and financial fines are needed. Anti-racism protocols are important. Public statements from governing bodies are important. However, none of these measures has been successful in truly eradicating the problem. Racism must be addressed within families, communities, and social structures. Soccer reflects society.
Real change has to start from the basics: home education, early values teaching, and consistent accountability. Clubs and federations must be more decisive and uncompromising in their ability to punish conduct, even if it means significant financial loss. Unless respect and equality are instilled at a fundamental level in families, schools, and communities, stadiums will continue to reflect society’s unresolved tensions.
For Vincius Jr., it was a night to forget the humiliating experience of being subjected to racist insults from all sides. The incident has garnered attention and sparked public debate, but so far little seems to have changed. The football world is awaiting the results of the investigation to determine potential penalties and whether anything really changes.
Is there a real way to eradicate racism from soccer?
