FIFA President backs Vinicius Jr. following racist abuse vs Valencia
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has added voice in support of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr after he suffered racist abuse during a La Liga game vs Valencia on Sunday May 21.
A really difficult evening it was for the Brazilian as Real Madrid lost 1-0, saw red and suffered racist abuse AGAIN in Spain.
On the racist abuse, FIFA President Infantino reiterated the Football Governing body`s stance that there was no place for racism in football, while offering support to Vinicius and every other player in similar situation.
Infantino wrote “Full solidarity to Vinicius. There is no place for racism in football or in society and FIFA stands by all players who have found themselves in such a situation.
Infantino used the opportunity to put call to all the football leagues or adoption of FIFA’s three-step process that exists in event of racists abuse such as witnessed at the Mestalla on Sunday May 21, 2023.
He added “Events during the match between Valencia and Real Madrid show that this needs to be the case. That is why the three-step process exists in FIFA competitions and it is recommended at all levels of football.
“Firstly, you stop the match, you announce it. Secondly, the players leave the pitch and the speaker announces that if the attacks continue, the match will be suspended. The match restarts, and then, thirdly, if the attacks continue, the match will stop and the three points will go to the opponent.”
The 22-year old who also suffered similar abuse vs Atletico Madrid has received backing from fellow footballers. Ronaldo, Neymar, Mbappe amongst others have shown solidarity via social media.
