How have Valencia responded to Vinicius Jr’s racist accusations?

Real Madrid played Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium on 21 May at the end of last season, and Los Blancos’ star Vinicius Junior was the victim of racist abuse by fans. On Thursday, the Brazilian testified via video link.

Valencia “express its surprise, rejection and indignation”

Following the testimony, the Valencian club responded with their own statement.

“In the wake of the information published regarding the alleged statement made in court by the Footballer Vinicius Jr. claiming that the entire Mestalla stadium had uttered racist insults at the match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid CF last season, the Club wishes to express its surprise, rejection and indignation.

“As coach Carlo Ancelotti himself publicly acknowledged, in no case can the behaviour be generalised to the entire Mestalla stadium.

“The Club is fully aware of the seriousness of this matter. Racism has no place in Football or in society, but it cannot be combated with fallacies or unfounded lies. This issue requires the involvement of everyone and Valencia CF understands that we must be scrupulously precise and responsible in this type of manifestations.

“The Valencia CF fanbase cannot be labelled as racist and Valencia CF demands that Vinicius Jr. publicly rectifies his alleged statement made this morning.”