Spain, Brazil to play anti-racism friendly in Madrid after Vinicius abuse

(FILES) Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior warms up prior to the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on June 4, 2023. – Rio de Janeiro’s legislative assembly on June 6, 2023, approved a bill that provides for the interruption or suspension of football matches in cases of racism, in the first concrete action in Brazil following the wave of outrage over racist behaviour towards Brazilian Vinicius Jr. in Spain. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)

The Spanish and Brazilian football federations presented their plan on Tuesday for a friendly match at the Santiago Bernabeu in March 2024 to combat racism, after global outrage at the abuse of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

The Brazil winger, 22, suffered racial abuse by Valencia supporters in May, provoking worldwide outrage after he squared off with fans in one stand.

Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales and his Brazilian counterpart Ednaldo Rodrigues revealed their plans for the game at Madrid’s stadium, alongside Spain internationals Ansu Fati and Rodrigo Moreno.

“I want to announce that the match against racism between Spain and Brazil will be at the Santiago Bernabeu,” Rubiales told a news conference.

“It’s the ideal stage for an encounter between two of the best teams in the world.”

Rubiales also said the match taking place in March depended on Spain qualifying directly for Euro 2024, as those dates would be potentially needed for play-offs if not.

“(The game is) a way of saying ‘enough’,” said Rodrigues.

“It protects joy in our football, (and shows) this intolerance and attitude are unacceptable.”

Vinicius issued a strongly-worded statement after he was abused, saying: