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The case revolves around two Barcelona fans who were identified as the perpetrators of racist chants by the Catalunya Police building on the evidence retrieved from stadium footage and witness accounts during the El Clasico in October 2023.
Vinicius Jr. (AP Photo)
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has been summoned to testify as a victim in the ongoing investigation into racial slurs directed towards him in October 2023. The Brazilian was targeted with racist chants during the El Clasico match at the Montjuic Stadium. According to legal sources reported to EFE (via FOOTBOOM), the hearing has been scheduled for January 23. It is supposed to be held online via video conference. The case revolves around two Barcelona fans who were identified as the perpetrators of those racist chants by the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalunya Police). The investigation was led by Judge Garcia of Barcelona’s 18th Court of Instruction. It builds on the evidence retrieved from stadium footage and witness accounts.
The two fans in question were summoned earlier in court to testify as defendants. They denied any involvement in those racist chats despite their names showing up in the Mossos d’Esquadra report. The said report points towards three Barcelona supporters in total. The third individual is reportedly a minor and is set to be tried separately in juvenile court. Barcelona Hate Crimes Prosecutor’s Office, La Liga and Real Madrid are actively participating in the ongoing case.
La Liga has been marred by multiple cases of racism in recent years. Earlier last year, Vinicius Junior voiced his disgust on social media after the Barcelona trio of Lamine Yamal, Raphina and Ansu Fati were directed with racial abuse during the El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. After a 4-0 thumping on away turf, several reports emerged online that claimed the Blaugrana stars were attacked with racist slurs on the night.
Regardless of club loyalties, Vinicius continued to fight against discrimination as he came out in support of the Blaugrana stars after the game. “It’s regrettable what happened yesterday at the Bernabeu with racist insults,” the Real Madrid forward wrote on X.
“There is no place for these criminals in our society. All my support to Lamine, Ansu and Raphinha. I know that Madrid and the police will do things to identify and punish the guilty!!” he added.
Lamentable lo que ha pasado ayer en Bernabéu con insultos racistas. No hay espacio para estos criminosos en nuestra sociedad. Todo mi apoyo a Lamine, Ansu y Raphinha. Lo sé que Madrid y la policia van hacer las cosas para identificar y punir los culpables!! https://t.co/pG2FXsMjDn— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 27, 2024
Aside from his fight against racism, Vinicius will also have his eyes set on winning more titles with Real Madrid this season. The Brazilian was snubbed off the Ballon d’Or last year. He is now hopeful of putting up another trophy-laden campaign for a second shot at the Golden Ball.