Albacete Balompie caused a major upset on Wednesday with their victory over Real Madrid. However, the result was marred by racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior – and now the Spanish second division club has responded with a statement.
“It is both painful and shameful that terrible, undignified and reprehensible racist images marred a magical evening at Carlos Belmonte due to the behavior of spectators who neither respect nor represent what Albacete stands for,” the statement said, among other things. During the Copa del Rey match, which the underdogs sensationally won 3-2, images circulated on social media showing a banana landing on the pitch right next to Real striker Vinicius Junior.
“We would like to announce that we at Albacete Balompie are already working to identify the person who threw a banana onto the pitch,” said the club, which is asking “the relevant institutions and our fans for their support” in the search for the perpetrator. If successful, Albacete said it would “take all disciplinary measures at its disposal” to ensure that this person “never sets foot in the Carlos Belmonte Stadium again, if possible.”
In addition, prior to the game, a small group outside the stadium chanted xenophobic slogans, which the club also condemned “in the strongest terms” and which “in no way reflect our values.” Under no circumstances will the club allow “our city and our club to be discredited because of isolated incidents of undesirable behavior.”
Not the first time Vini Jr. has been targeted
The statement concludes: ” Finally, on behalf of all its exemplary fans, Albacete Balompie would like to express its support for Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, and all Madridistas in the face of such despicable behavior and reiterate our unconditional commitment to the difficult task of eradicating all racist, xenophobic, or discriminatory behavior from football—and from society in general.”
The issue of racism is nothing new in Spanish football. Vinicius Junior, in particular, has not been the target of racist abuse for the first time. The persecution of the Brazilian reached its lowest point in Valencia in mid-2023. In this regard, three spectators were sentenced to prison terms last year.
