During the first half of a friendly game against Guinea last month, Vinicius Jr and his fellow Brazil team members donned black kits while the mascots sported t-shirts emblazoned with the message ‘with racism there is no game’.
A recently enacted anti-racism law in Rio de Janeiro has been named in recognition of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
The ‘Vini Jr law’, which was unanimously ratified by the Rio government in June, stipulates that any sporting event will be halted or suspended if there is any incidence of racist behaviour.
Vinicius, aged 22, suffered racial abuse several times throughout the previous season.
During a ceremony at the Maracana Stadium, where he first started his senior career with Flamengo, Vinicius expressed, “Today marks a special occasion, and I trust my family takes great pride in this moment. I’m still very young, and it was beyond my expectations to be bestowed with this honour.”
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According to local reports, the law was catalysed by Vinicius’ reaction to racial abuse during a game at Valencia in May, which he had halted to identify the culprits.
The law stipulates the steps to handle racism complaints and mandates educational campaigns against racism.
Apart from this, Vinicius was also celebrated with awards from the legislative assembly and city council of Rio. His footprints were immortalised next to Brazilian legends such as Pele, Garrincha, and Ronaldo in the stadium’s walk of fame.
Rafael Picciani, Rio’s secretary for sports, expressed that it was a privilege to honour “a star of Brazilian football, who was born and bred in Rio de Janeiro”.
Vinicius has been requested to chair a special FIFA anti-racism committee consisting of players.
Most recently, he participated in post-season friendly games for Brazil against Guinea and Senegal. These games were organised as a part of the ongoing anti-racism campaign which will further be marked by a friendly against Spain at Real’s Bernabeu stadium in the upcoming March.
Reflecting on his achievements, Vinicius, who transitioned from Flamengo to Real in 2018, stated, “I often question if I’m deserving of all this. I never anticipated so many awards and such an overwhelming reception at the Maracana, where I’ve attended and played numerous Flamengo games.”
Related articles:
- Valencia’s penalty and stadium closure for racism reduced on appeal in Vinicius Jr case
- Real Madrid fans and players rally in support of Vinicius Jr
- Vinicius Jr’s situation incites broader discussion on racism in Spain
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anti-racism law
What is the ‘Vini Jr law’?
The ‘Vini Jr law’ is an anti-racism law named after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. The Rio de Janeiro government unanimously approved it in June. The law dictates that any sporting event will be stopped or suspended if any incidence of racist behaviour occurs.
Why is the law named after Vinicius Jr?
The law is named in honour of Vinicius Jr because of his active stance against racism. He has been a victim of racial abuse multiple times and has actively pointed out the culprits during games. His actions and response to such situations inspired the government to enact this law.
What does the ‘Vini Jr law’ include?
The ‘Vini Jr law’ includes a detailed protocol on how to handle racism complaints and mandates educational campaigns against racism. It also ensures that sporting events will be halted or suspended in case of racist conduct.
How is Vinicius Jr involved in the fight against racism beyond this law?
Apart from the law named in his honour, Vinicius Jr has also been asked to lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee made up of players. Furthermore, he has actively participated in anti-racism campaigns, such as wearing black kits in games and participating in anti-racism friendlies.
What other recognitions has Vinicius Jr received?
In addition to the ‘Vini Jr law’, Vinicius Jr has received awards from Rio’s legislative assembly and city council. His footprints were added to the Maracana Stadium’s walk of fame, alongside those of Brazilian greats such as Pele, Garrincha, and Ronaldo.
More about Anti-racism law
- Vinicius Jr’s fight against racism
- The ‘Vini Jr Law’ Details
- Vinicius Jr’s Career
- FIFA’s Anti-Racism Committee
- Maracana Stadium’s Walk of Fame
7 comments
incredible!! Just 22 and already making a huge difference. gives hope for our future. Go vini!
a player standing against racism & a law named after him… just amazing. Things are changing, slowly but surely. Vini Jr, u r a true champion!
Respect for Vini, for standing up against racism. More power to him…This law will change things. I believe so.
well done Vinicius, way to use your platform to make a real difference. Fight against racism shud never stop.
this is a great news!! vini jr is a role model for the younger generation.. so proud to see this! fight against racism continues…
oh my God, i’m so proud of him! Vini Jr law, wow! Its a big thing… Hats off to Rio Govt too.
see, this is what we need, more action. not just words. Vini Jr is a hero.