MADRID : La Liga has opened an investigation after Vinicius Junior was subjected to offensive chants during Real Madrid CF’s 2-1 defeat by CA Osasuna on Saturday.
Vinicius, who scored Madrid’s only goal in the match, was targeted by home supporters with chants including “Vinicius, die,” while others mocked him with references to a “beach ball” in apparent derision over his omission from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees.
The incident comes days after the Brazil forward was also targeted by supporters of SL Benfica during a Champions League fixture, where monkey gestures were reportedly directed at him.
La Liga said it would examine reports and evidence from the Osasuna match as part of its protocol against hate speech and discriminatory conduct.
Vinicius has been repeatedly subjected to racist abuse in Spain in recent seasons. In 2023, a case involving alleged racist insults from an Osasuna supporter was dismissed after authorities were unable to identify the individual responsible.
Spanish football authorities have stepped up measures in recent years to combat racism in stadiums, but incidents involving the 24-year-old winger have continued to draw scrutiny and condemnation.
