Valencia Sanctioned Over racist chants towards Vinicius Junior.

Spanish side Valencia has been fined 45,000 euros by the Spanish Federation over racist chants aimed at Vinicius Junior in a La Liga fixture against Real Madrid on Sunday 21st. Valencia fans were heard chanting 'mono' (monkey) towards the 22 years old during the La Liga clash at Mestalla Stadium that Real Madrid lost 1-0.

The chants led to the game being stopped temporarily, with Vinicius Junior being sent off moments later after a clash between him and Valencia players. 

However, the Spanish FA overturned the red card and punished the club and ordered the closure of the Mario Kempes stand where the incident allegedly happened.  

“The competition committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, more specifically the Mario Kempes south stand, following the events that occurred during the first division national league championship match between the local team and Real Madrid Cf”, read the Federation statement.

"It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his minutes, there were racist shouts at Vinicius, a Real Madrid Cf player, during the aforementioned match, altering the normal course of the match and considering the infractions very serious. In addition, an economic sanction of 45,000 euros is imposed on Valencia." the statement added. 

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez and head coach Carlo Ancelotti defended the young star over the harrowing incident questioning the lack of action from Spanish authorities.

“We have been complaining about this abuse all season and nothing!" the Italian said, referencing the previous occasions that Vinicius Jr has been abused this season. "It has reached the point where the manager must consider taking off his player because the game is not being stopped. There is something wrong with this league if this happens,” said Ancelotti.

Expressing his dissatisfaction through his Twitter account, the champion’s league winner slammed La Liga president Javier Tebas for lack of action despite cases of racism being reported in the league. “It wasn't the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it's normal, the Spanish Football Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi today belongs to racists", said Vinicius.

“I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don't agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defense. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if it's far from here,” he added.

The racist attacks towards the star sparked reactions from various sports personalities including his club and national teammates including Barcelona winger Raphinha who showed his support for Vini by removing his jersey as he left the pitch with a vest on him written......“As long as the colour of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war. We are together, Vinicius.”

However, Valencia has appealed the sanctions citing inconclusive investigations.

Valencia CF wants to publicly denounce that in this resolution of the RFEF competition committee, they show evidence that contradicts what the national police and LaLiga say. 

“In addition, this sanction is based on evidence that the club has not been able to see and without giving us a hearing," read the statement.