Sport
Richard Fitzpatrick: Attacks on Vinícius reflect racist undercurrent in Spanish culture
Valencia football fans’ on-pitch taunting of the Real Madrid star – and some local reaction to it – has brought international condemnation
Last weekend, Valencia celebrated the centenary of its legendary football stadium, the Mestalla. It is arguably Spain’s most atmospheric ground. Its stands climb steeply into the sky, hanging over the pitch like the teeth of a monster. The Mestalla is an icon in Spain and it was immortalised for Irish football fans the evening Gerry Armstrong scored Northern Ireland’s winner against the hosts in the 1982 World Cup.
Last Sunday, however, the Mestalla was at ...