Racist chants targeting Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior were heard outside the Carlos Belmonte Stadium in Albacete, Spain before Wednesday’s Copa del Rey Round of 16 match against second-division side Albacete. Supporters gathered near the stadium directed abuse at the 25-year-old Brazilian, who has repeatedly suffered racial abuse in Spanish football over the past several seasons.
Context and Reaction
Vinícius was named in the starting lineup by new Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa for the match — his first in charge following Xabi Alonso’s departure — but the build-up to the fixture was overshadowed by the discriminatory chants.
Albacete publicly condemned the incident on social media, stating that racism is shameful and not representative of the club or its supporters’ values.
The abuse at the Carlos Belmonte ground adds to a troubling pattern of racist behaviour directed at Vinícius across Spanish stadiums. According to reports, there have been 18 legal complaints filed over racist incidents involving the player since 2022, with past chants and insults resulting in convictions and prison sentences for some offenders under Spanish hate-crime laws.
Wider Outrage and Player Support
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from colleagues and supporters. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reportedly took to social media to condemn the racist abuse, calling it “disgusting” and demanding an end to such behaviour in football.
Ongoing Issue in Spanish Football
Racist targeting of Vinícius is sadly not new in La Liga or Spanish cup competitions. Multiple past matches have seen chants and insults directed at the Brazilian star, prompting club complaints and, in some cases, legal action.
Vinícius has publicly voiced frustration over what he sees as inadequate responses from football authorities to repetitive racist attacks, emphasising that stronger action and punishment are needed to deter future incidents.
