Criticized for being too passive in the face of cases involving racism in football, Spanish authorities tried this Tuesday (23) to respond to the world with arrests and requests for changes in legislation. With demonstrations against racial discrimination, players returned to the field for the Spanish Championship, after the offenses suffered last Sunday (21) by Vinicius Junior.
Seven fans were arrested on Tuesday (23) by the police in Spain. All are suspected of racist chants against the Brazilian player who plays for Real Madrid. Three of them, young people aged between 18 and 21, were interrogated and released hours later.
Vinicius Junior complained about being insulted and called a "monkey" during the game between Real and Valencia, which was interrupted by the arbitration. These attacks led the Public Prosecution Service to open an investigation into "hate crime", a criminal category that, in Spain, includes racial crimes.
After commotion on the field involving opponents, Vinícius was expelled. This Tuesday, the Royal Spanish Federation annulled the red card. This frees him to take the field this Wednesday (24) when Real Madrid faces Rayo Vallecano.
Translated by Cassy Dias