Vinicius Junior scored a goal for Real Madrid in a shock 2-1 defeat away to Osasuna on Saturday, but was met with disgusting abuse from some in the home crowd.
Vinicius Junior is targeted again (Image: Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
La Liga have launched an investigation after Vinicius Junior was allegedly subjected to despicable abuse for the second time in five days. Vinicius, 25, has been at the center of a racist row this week, with two Benfica supporters making monkey-like gestures towards him.
The Real Madrid star claimed he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani, and the match was suspended for 10 minutes. Vinicius was on the scoresheet when Real faced Osasuna on Saturday, as well as Tuesday’s Champions League game.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side ultimately lost the game in 90 minutes, giving Barcelona a chance to take the lead when they host Levante on Sunday. However, the match was overshadowed by footage that appeared to show Osasuna fans shouting “Vinicius, muerete” (literally translated as “Vinicius, die”) during the match.
The Brazilian was greeted with whistles and chants of “Vinicius, ballon de playa”, which translates to “Zero Vinicius, beach ball”, from the home crowd, a reference to his failure to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024. Osasuna supporters also chanted “tonto” (stupid) at him.
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read more: Gianluca Prestiani’s representative makes his case futile as Vinicius Jr.’s racism scandal continuesread more: Vincent Kompany gives strong reaction to Jose Mourinho’s comments on Vinicius Junior
After the match, La Liga confirmed they were investigating the incident, specifically the alleged “Vinicius, die” chant. This is not the first time Vinicius has been targeted against Pamplona-based Osasuna.
In 2023, a video of El Sadar’s Osasuna fans racially abusing Vinicius was released. La Liga filed a formal complaint with the Pamplona court, but the case was provisionally dismissed on the grounds that it was “impossible to identify the culprit.”
Ahead of Saturday’s late defeat, Arbeloa praised the 25-year-old’s attitude in the face of repeated abuse. “Like everyone else, he is sad and very angry,” the Madrid manager explained.
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Vinicius Junior celebrates “I’m here” after scoring (Image: Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
“This was a racist act and we don’t want it to happen again. It has no place in our sport. We have a huge opportunity to ensure this behavior goes unpunished.”
“Vinicius decides the game, scores a great goal, carries the team on his shoulders, but he is not afraid. Even after a situation like the other day, he can come back on the pitch.”
“Unfortunately, we all get insulted sometimes, but I’ve never been insulted because of the color of my skin. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go back on the pitch like he did. We’re going to be by his side and protect him.”
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