Just days after Vinicius Junior became the victim of a high-profile racial incident against Benfica, the Brazilian superstar was once again subjected to regrettable hostility.
Real Madrid suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat at the hands of Osasuna at the El Sadar Stadium on Saturday, but the frustrating result was overshadowed by disturbing chants aimed at the winger.
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Hostile environment in Sardar
According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old was subjected to heavy whistles and insulting chants throughout the game.
Some home fans sang “Vinicius, balon de playa” (beach ball) – mocking his second-place finish at the 2024 Ballon d’Or – while shouting “tonto” (fool).
More worryingly, La Liga have confirmed they are actively investigating video footage that appears to show fans chanting “Vinicius, Muret” (Vinicius, go to hell).
Vinicius the Younger once again became the object of racial hatred. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The stadium has a troubling history for Real Madrid’s No.7. In 2023, cameras captured an Osasuna supporter hurling racial abuse at Vinicius, but a Pamplona court controversially dismissed the case in 2024 because it could not identify the perpetrator.
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In the 73rd minute, the Brazilian temporarily silenced the crowd on the court. After receiving a wonderful pass from Federico Valverde, he celebrated by pointing to his name and making an “I’m here” gesture to the turf.
However, Osasuna took all three points after Raul Garcia’s 90th-minute winner and Ante Budimir’s first-half penalty.
The defeat leaves Alvaro Arbeloa’s side in a weak spot at the top of the table. The manager, who replaced Valverde late in the game to prevent injury risks, immediately turned his attention to Wednesday’s crucial Champions League playoff second leg against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.
“I hope it means nothing because four days later we are fighting for our lives again. A team shows its strength in difficult times. There is no room for doubt.” Arbeloa told a news conference.
