Sevilla expelled a fan from their Spanish league match against Real Madrid and filed a police complaint after the spectator allegedly displayed “xenophobic and racist behavior” towards Vinícius Júnior.
In a statement, Sevilla did not specify what the behavior was or name any intended targets, but the Madrid star later posted on social media that he had been a victim of racism during Saturday's match. Vinícius, who has regularly faced racist abuse from rival fans, said it was "another sad episode for Spanish football".
Sevilla's statement was issued shortly after drawing 1-1 with Madrid at its Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in Seville. Sevilla said it "condemns any xenophobic and racist behavior, even an isolated case like this, and expresses its willingness to work with the authorities to eradicate these attitudes."
The club stated that the fan "will be subject to the club's strong disciplinary measures and internal protocols and has been expelled."
Brazilian forward Vinícius praised Sevilla's response, but said Spanish authorities needed to do much more: "Congratulations to Sevilla for the quick reaction and consequence for the partner in another sad episode for Spanish football," Vinicius said. "Unfortunately I have access to a video of another racist act in this Saturday's game, this time perpetrated by a girl. It is sad that there is no one to educate her. I invest, and I invest a lot, in education in Brazil to form citizens with attitudes different," says the player.
"I hope the Spanish authorities do their part and change the legislation once and for all. These people also need to be criminally punished... Sorry for being repetitive, but this is episode number 19. And counting."
