Real Madrid's touching gesture to Vinicius Jr in support over racism scandal
The entire Real Madrid team took to the field in Vinicius Jr shirts on Wednesday night after their teammate was racially abused by Valencia fans last weekend.
The abhorrent chants that were directed at Vinicius Jr, 22, at the Mestalla Stadium led to referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea temporarily halting Sunday's match. The chants continued, though, once play had been restarted in harrowing scenes which have been condemned across the globe in recent days.
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday evening that a partial stadium closure will be placed on Valencia due to the behaviour of their fans, with the club's south stand set to be shut for five matches. The LaLiga outfit were also slapped with a €45,000 (£40,000) fine.
It was also confirmed that a red card which was shown to Vinicius Jr in the final moments of the match had been rescinded - meaning the Brazilian international was free to feature in Wednesday night's LaLiga match against Rayo Vallecano.
However, Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti hinted that Vinicius would not be selected after the midfielder sat out training earlier this week.
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In the wake of Vinicius Jr's absence from the squad against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night, the Real Madrid squad walked out at the Bernabeu bearing the winger's No.20 shirt in a touching show of support for their teammate, who has endured horrific abuse on more than one occasion this season.
It was confirmed in the build-up to kick-off that all Real Madrid players would wear Vinicius Jr's shirt to send a powerful message of support to their teammateThe gesture from Real Madrid comes less than 24 hours after Barcelona forward Raphinha was booked for removing his shirt to reveal a message of support for Vinicius Jr in the closing stages of Barca's match against Real Valladolid.
Raphinha's vest read: “As long as the colour of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war.” The back of his vest also bore the message: “We are together, Vinicius.”
In the wake of Sunday night's incident, the Spanish authorities confirmed action was being taken on Tuesday night.
Vinicius Jr has been inundated with support in the wake of the abhorrent abuse he received against Valencia (Getty Images)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.
“In addition, an economic sanction of 45,000 euros is imposed on Valencia.”
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