The Spanish police have detained seven men over separate alleged hate crime incidents against Real Madrid football player Vinicius Jr. as La Liga urged changes to Spanish law that would enable it to take steps to curb racism in the stadium.
Football club Valencia CF has also been fined €45,000.
Footballer Vinicius’s late red card has been rescinded, which means “he will not have to serve a suspension.” The decision to ask the Spanish club to close part of its stadium for the next five games is unprecedented.
Valencia CF termed the decision to partially close their stadium “disproportionate, unjust and unprecedented” and said they intend to appeal against the order to close part of its stadium.
“Valencia have collaborated from the first minute with the police and all relevant authorities to clarify the events that occurred,” a statement from the club read.
“In addition, we have applied the maximum possible sanction with the ban for life from our stadium for racist behaviour of the fans identified by police.”
The closure will apply to the Mestalla Stadium’s south stand. This constitutes the area where a furious and emotional Vinicius was seen during Sunday’s second half before he reported the issue.
He was sent off in the 97th minute, but his red card has now been overturned. He will be able to play in the next game against Real Vallecano if he recovers from a knee injury.
