La Liga has filed a complaint to Catalan police regarding the alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory at Barcelona on Saturday.
The Athletic previously reported that La Liga was investigating the alleged abuse and it has now passed information it has gathered to local authorities, including video footage captured in three different parts of Barca’s ground when Vinicius Jr was substituted in stoppage time.
La Liga has confirmed it is co-ordinating with both local police and Barcelona to identify those responsible. On Saturday Barcelona vowed to investigate the matter.
Separately, one of the three men who were arrested in Valencia in connection with alleged racist behaviour towards Vinicius Jr back in May has testified in court.
The complaint against the investigated supporter was widened when images showing him allegedly making abusive gestures towards Madrid defender Eder Militao were provided.
This person testified that he addressed Militao at the Mestalla, but that he did not intend to insult him. Militao has been asked to testify in the case, which is being handled by local public prosecutors. The three fans have already been issued with life bans by Valencia.
The three fans have already been issued with life bans by Valencia.
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Meanwhile, at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night, Vinicius Jr was presented with the Socrates Award, which recognises a player’s humanitarian work. While on stage, co-host Didier Drogba also praised the 23-year-old for his fight against racism, and an image of last May’s match at Valencia was displayed on screen.
It prompted the Spanish club to issue a statement on social media that read: “Valencia are saddened by the use of our image at the Ballon d’Or gala and its association with isolated behaviours that the club punished swiftly and decisively, applying the most severe penalty for those involved.
“We reiterate our most absolute condemnation of racism, but we also ask for the utmost respect for our fans and our club.”
La Liga also recently referred alleged racist abuse suffered by Vinicius Jr at Sevilla during a 1-1 draw on October 21 to public prosecutors in the Andalusian city.
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(Photo: Getty Images)
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