(Reuters) – Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has spoken out against the persistent issue of racism in LaLiga, calling for a zero tolerance policy in response to recent incidents of racist abuse directed at forward Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius himself has called on UEFA to take action against alleged racist chanting from fans of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Real Madrid has taken further steps by filing a complaint with the state prosecutor’s office regarding hate and discrimination offences, the club confirmed on Friday.
This is not the first time Vinicius has been subjected to racist abuse while playing in Spain, leading to various campaigns at both local and international levels, including the establishment of a special FIFA anti-racism committee.
“The problem exists, and I will not shy away from addressing it,” Ancelotti stated during a press conference on Friday.
It is worth noting that Vinicius previously faced racial abuse during a match at Valencia last year, which resulted in arrests and lifetime bans for four individuals by the club.
Ancelotti commended Valencia’s swift response to the incident and emphasized the need for collective action against racism in football.
“It is crucial that we take decisive measures to combat and eliminate these issues. Racism is a blight on our society and should not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Ancelotti added.
Brazil is set to face Spain in a friendly match at the Bernabeu on March 26, as part of an anti-racism initiative in solidarity with Vinicius and the wider campaign against discrimination in football.
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard)
