Vinicius Jr ban overturned as Valencia face stadium closure for racist chants
The Spanish FA have overturned the red card that was shown to Vinicius Jr and hit Valencia with a partial stadium closure after the Real Madrid forward was racially abused on Sunday.
The Brazilian winger, 22, was subjected to racist chants from the home fans at the Mestalla Stadium. He was also sent off in the dying embers of the match by referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.
However, the Spanish FA announced on Tuesday evening that they had officially overturned Vincius Jr's red card. And they also confirmed that Valencia had been fined €45,000 (£40,000) for the behaviour of their fans and will be forced to close the stand where the abusive chants originated for five matches.
A statement from the Spanish Football Federation read: "The competition committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, more specifically the Mario Kempes south stand, following the events that occurred during the First Division National League Championship match between the local team and Real Madrid CF.
"It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his minutes, there were racist shouts at Vinicius, a Real Madrid CF player, during the aforementioned match, altering the normal course of the match and considering the infractions very serious.
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"In addition, an economic sanction of 45,000 euros is imposed on Valencia."
The harrowing scenes were slammed by Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti after the match, who questioned the lack of action from the relevant authorities. “We have been complaining about this abuse all season and nothing!" the Italian said referencing the previous occasions that Vinicius Jr has been abused this season. "It has reached the point where the manager must consider taking off his player because the game is not being stopped. There is something wrong with this league if this happens.”
Vinicius Jr has been racially abused on more than one occasion this season (Getty Images)Vinicius Jr also hit out at the abuse after the match. He wrote on Twitter, as translated by Goal : “It wasn't the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it's normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
“I'm so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.
“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.
“I'm sorry for the Spaniards who don't agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defense. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
Vinicius Jr has received widespread support since Sunday's sickening abuse (Ivan Terron/REX/Shutterstock)Various figures in the game have spoken out in support of Vinicius Jr in the aftermath of Sunday's abuse, including Rio Ferdinand and Gary Lineker. Xavi Hernandez, the head coach of Real's bitter rivals Barcelona, also hit out at the actions of Valencia's fans and threw his support behind Vinicius Jr.
Barcelona forward Raphinha also showed his support for Vinicius Jr by removing his shirt as he left the pitch to show a vest with the message: “As long as the color of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war. We are together, Vinicius.”
Vinicius Jr could feature in Real Madrid's match against Rayo Vallecano after the decision to expunge his red card.
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