'They are criminals!' — Vinicius slams racist Real Madrid fans after abuse against Yamal, Barcelona stars

Vinicius maintains an unwavering stance against racism after a section of Real Madrid fans employed racially charged insults against Barcelona stars.

The Barcelona duo of Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde are the latest to suffer from the worrying spate of racist abuse in LALIGA stadiums, and Vinicius, who has led the battle against discrimination in Spain, has released a message to chastise the perpetrators. 

What happened 

Los Blancos were soundly beaten, 4-0, at home by eternal rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. The third goal of the game was scored by Yamal, and while the Spain international celebrated along with Balde, some fans in that section of the stadium pelted racially charged insults at them. 

Real Madrid took a firm stance following the incident, as hours after the encounter, they swiftly condemned the behaviour after videos surfaced showing fans in one section of the stadium directing racial slurs toward FC Barcelona’s young duo  

“Real Madrid categorically condemns any type of behavior that involves racism, xenophobia or violence in football and sport and deeply regrets the insults that a few fans uttered last night in one of the corners of the stadium.

Lamine Yamal scored in Barcelona's 4-0 win against Real Madrid | IMAGO

"Real Madrid has opened an investigation in order to locate and identify the perpetrators of these regrettable and despicable insults in order to adopt the relevant disciplinary and judicial measures."

What Vinicius said

In the past few seasons, the Brazil international has combated terrible treatment from fans in Spanish stadiums. He has attacked it head-on, and some weeks ago, he got the first successful conviction, when some Valencia fans who racially insulted him were sent to prison. 

Vinicius is spirited about his fight against racism, and even now, when the abuse has come from his own fanbase, he remained unwavering, as he released a strong statement in support of the Barcelona players. 

“It's a regret to hear what happened at the Bernabéu with racist insults. There is no place for such criminals in our society. All my support to Lamine, Ansu and Raphinha. I know that Madrid and the police will do things to identify and punish the guilty.”