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

Vinicius Junior during the LaLiga match between Valencia and Real Madrid when he was racially abused. Picture: Getty Images

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 ...