Valencia fined and handed partial stadium ban after Vinicius Junior racist abuse

Valencia have been fined €45,000 after their supporters racially abused Vinicius Junior during Sunday’s match with Real Madrid. 

The La Liga club have also been handed a partial stadium ban for five matches. 

The Mario Kempes stand of the Mestalla Stadium will be closed for the home clash with Espanyol on Sunday and the first four games next season. 

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also overturned Vinicius’ red card which he received on Sunday following an altercation with Hugo Duro. 

The RFEF said in a statement (as per Sky Sports): “The Competition Committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, specifically the Mario Kempes South Stand, following the events that occurred during the match between the team and Real Madrid.

“It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his report, there were racist shouts at Vinicius, altering the normal course of the match and the infractions are considered very serious.

“In addition, an economic sanction of €45,000 is imposed on Valencia.”

Vinicius posted a strong statement on social media following the incident at Mestalla, saying ‘racism is normal in La Liga.’

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe expressed support for the 22-year-old, while Brazilian President Lula da Silva also condemned the racism. 

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde also showed solidarity with the young forward, saying that ‘discriminatory insults should not be tolerated or justified.’ 

Vinicius has regularly been targeted with racist abuse, forcing La Liga to file nine criminal complaints in the previous two campaigns. 

The Brazilian has been one of the most important members of Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season, netting 23 goals in 54 appearances.  

The 22-year-old has proved to be an excellent signing as he has made over 120 goal contributions in 224 senior appearances since his debut in 2018.