Real Madrid say racism directed at Vinicius Junior constitutes a 'hate crime' and have filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office.
Brazil forward Vinicius was the subject of an alleged racist attack during Real’s 1-0 LaLiga defeat at Valencia on Sunday.
The game was paused after the break as Vinicius pointed out to the referee those who were allegedly abusing him in the stands at the Mestalla – and the 22-year-old later took to social media to say racism is ‘normal’ in LaLiga.
"Real Madrid CF shows its strongest revulsion and condemns the events that took place yesterday against our player Vinicius Junior," the club said in a strongly-worded statement on Monday.
"These facts constitute a direct attack on the coexistence model of our social and democratic state of law.
"Real Madrid considers that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, for which reason it has filed the corresponding complaint with the state attorney general’s office, specifically with the prosecutor’s office against hate crimes and discrimination, so that the facts can be investigated and clear responsibilities.
"Article 124 of the Spanish constitution establishes the functions of the public prosecutor’s office to promote the action of justice in defence of legality and the rights of citizens and the public interest.
"For this reason, and given the seriousness of the events that occurred, Real Madrid has turned to the sate attorney general’s office, without prejudice to its appearance as a private prosecution in the proceedings that are being initiated."
"Real Madrid considers that such attacks also constitute a hate crime, for which reason it has filed the corresponding complaint with the state attorney general's office."
Vinicius Jr called LaLiga and Spain racist after the game, having gotten into an altercation with Valencia's players which led to his sending off in the second half.
At one stage it appeared that the majority of the stadium was chanting 'mono' (monkey) at the Real Madrid player.
"It was not the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition considers it normal, the federation considers it normal and the rivals encourage it," Vinicius posted on Twitter after the game.
"The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi today belongs to the racists.
"A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which accepted to export to the world the image of a racist country. I am sorry for those Spaniards who disagree but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.
"I am strong and I will go all the way against the racists. Even if it is far away from here," he added.
LaLiga claimed that it will request all available images in order to investigate what took place in light of the incident.
"If any hate crime is identified, we will take the appropriate legal action," it said in a statement.
However LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded to Vinicius Jr's comments by taking a defensive tone and asking him to be 'more informed' about what can be done in cases of racism.
"Since those who should explain to you what it is and what LaLiga can do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it ourselves, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself," he said on Twitter.
"Before you criticise and slander LaLiga you need to inform yourself properly @Vinijr. Don't let yourself be manipulated and make sure you understand each other's competences and the work we have been doing together," he added.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his support for the player and called on soccer's world governing body FIFA to stop racism in football.
"I would like to express my solidarity with our Brazilian player, a poor boy who succeeded in life and is potentially becoming one of the best players in the world, certainly the best at Real Madrid. And he is attacked in every stadium he plays in," he told a press conference.
"I think it is important that FIFA, the Spanish league and leagues in other countries take real action, because we cannot allow fascism and racism to dominate football stadiums."
Vinicius Jr's team mate and fellow Brazil international Eder Militao expressed his support for the forward.
"It's a disgrace! To suffer racism, to defend yourself and then be sent off trying to defend yourself! How long do we have to put up with this?".
The Spanish league has previously lodged complaints of racist chanting or insults against Vinicius Jr, the latest of which was a claim before a court in Mallorca after fans were filmed racially abusing the forward.
Spanish police are also investigating a possible hate crime against Vinicius Jr after a mannequin wearing his number 20 shirt was hung from a bridge outside Real Madrid's training ground in January.
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