- Vinicius and Mbappe targeted with racist chants
- La Liga file complaint to Spanish police
- Evidence includes TV footage & social media clips
La Liga have lodged a formal complaint with Spain‘s National Police after Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Mbappe were allegedly subjected to racist chanting during their side’s 3-0 win away at Real Oviedo on August 24. The chants, which reportedly included monkey noises, were heard multiple times inside the Carlos Tartiere Stadium. La Liga backed their complaint with footage from Movistar’s broadcast of ‘El Dia Despues’ as well as widely shared clips on social media.
Los Blancos sealed victory thanks to two goals from Mbappe and a strike from Vinicius, but the result was overshadowed by yet another incident of racist abuse directed at the Brazilian forward, who has faced similar episodes at stadiums across Spain.
This latest case adds to the ongoing crisis in Spanish football regarding racism. Vinicius, who broke down in tears last year as he pleaded for stronger action, has become the face of the fight against discrimination in La Liga. In June 2024, three men were sentenced to prison for racially abusing the Brazilian during a clash with Valencia in 2023, marking the first conviction of its kind in Spain. While that ruling was seen as a step forward, the recurrence of abuse highlights how deeply the issue persists.
Martin Pelaez, Oviedo club president addressed the controversy after the Madrid clash and said: “In view of the acts of racism that are said to have taken place last Sunday, I would like to tell you that this institution, Real Oviedo, condemns any act of racism, machismo, any discrimination.
“We are already trying to investigate what happened with our security people and if there is the slightest evidence that it happened, you can be sure that we will punish it, that we will repress it.
“It cannot continue to happen here or anywhere else.”
The case is now in the hands of Spain’s National Police, who will review the evidence provided by La Liga. Oviedo have promised to assist investigations and sanction any fans found guilty. Meanwhile, Madrid are expected to continue backing Vinicius, with the Brazilian determined to lead the fight against racism as the season unfolds.
