PREVIEW

Vinicius Junior Targeted with Racist Abuse in Copa del Rey Match. The Copa del Rey semifinal between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid was briefly halted after Real Madrid players were subjected to racist and violent abuse from the stands. A fan was seen making a monkey gesture at Vinicius Junior, marking yet another instance of racist abuse against the Brazilian winger in Spain. This match was Vinicius Junior’s first time captaining Real Madrid, making the incident even more significant. The game was stopped by referee José María Sánchez Martínez after chants of "Asencio die" were reportedly directed at Madrid’s young defender Raúl Asencio. Stadium officials warned that if the abuse continued, the match could be suspended or abandoned, invoking La Liga's racism protocol. Despite the existence of the protocol, such stoppages are rare in La Liga, contrasting with leagues like Concacaf, where anti-discrimination measures are more actively enforced. Vinicius Junior has been repeatedly subjected to racist abuse in Spain, including a high-profile incident at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium that led to fines and arrests. In 2023, members of Atlético Madrid ultras were arrested for hanging a mannequin wearing Vinicius’ shirt from a bridge with a hateful banner. Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win in the first leg of the semifinal thanks to a goal from Endrick, but the fallout from the match stoppage remains to be seen. After the match, Vinicius posted a message on social media, staying positive despite the abuse: "Living unforgettable moments with the club of my dreams!"
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