Vinícius still a target for racial abuse ahead of Spain’s ‘One Skin’ game against Brazil

By Tales Azzoni, Associated Press

Vinícius Júnior clenched his right fist and raised it high above his head after scoring at Mestalla Stadium, posing for a moment to make sure everyone noticed.

The symbolic gesture in early March came nearly a year after the Real Madrid forward was on that same field with tears in his eyes after being racially abused by some Valencia fans.

That incident sparked an outpouring of support for the Brazil forward, who is Black, and set off widespread calls for action by Spanish authorities and society in general.

At the time, many saw it as a turning point in the fight against racism in Spanish soccer.

But some 10 months later, Vinícius has continued to be subjected to racist abuse in Spain despite the initial uproar that accompanied the incident at Mestalla.

The Brazilian broke down in tears while talking about the insults ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly between Spain and Brazil that was originally set up under the theme “One Skin” following the racial abuse aimed at Vinícius last year.

AP has more information.

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