Spanish prosecutors opened a probe Monday into racist chants during a match aimed at Real Madrid’s star forward Vinicius Junior as the football federation president admitted the country had a “problem” with racism.
The 22-year-old Brazil international was targeted by a home supporter during a 1-0 defeat at Valencia on Sunday and was later sent off.
The prosecutor’s office in Valencia is investigating the incident as a possible “hate crime”, a judicial source told AFP.
The move comes after Real Madrid said it had filed a complaint “in order that the facts be investigated and those responsible be held accountable”.
The club said the chants, in its view, “constitute a hate crime”.
Separately, Spain’s government sports council said it was analysing the images to “identify the perpetrators of these insults and behaviours to propose the appropriate sanctions.”
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The body has in similar incidents in the past proposed a one-year stadium ban and fine of 4,000 euros ($4,300) for those found guilty.
Top figures from the world of football and beyond rallied around the player, who has frequently been singled out for racial abuse in La Liga.
The head of Spain’s football federation, Luis Rubiales, said the country had a “problem” with racism.
“As long as there is just one fan, a single undesirable, or group of undesirables who hurl insults over someone’s sexual orientation, or skin colour, we have a serious problem,” he added.
During the match, Vinicius stood in front of fans behind the goal and pointed to the apparent culprit and play was delayed for several minutes in the second half.
Vinicius has been racially abused at several stadiums this season in Spain and an effigy of him was hung from a bridge by Atletico Madrid fans.