Sevilla expelled a fan from its stadium and filed a complaint with police after the spectator allegedly displayed ‘xenophobic and racist behavior’ in Saturday’s home game against Real Madrid in the Spanish league.
In a statement Sevilla did not specify what the behaviour was, or any intended target.
Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has been targeted by racist abuse by rival fans on several occasions.
Sevilla’s statement was issued shortly after they drew 1-1 with Madrid at the Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in Seville.
It read: ‘Sevilla FC condemns all racist and xenophobic behaviour and will work closely with the authorities to ensure that action is taken accordingly. This behaviour does not belong at Sevilla FC.
Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, who is Black, has been targeted by racist abuse by rival fans on several occasions
A man was captured on footage performing a racist ‘monkey’ gesture towards Vinicius
Your browser does not support iframes.
‘The individual will also be subject to the club’s vigorous internal disciplinary protocols and have their membership revoked.’
Vinícius Jnr commended Sevilla for their swift response.
The hosts expelled and reported a fan to the authorities due to racial abuse directed at the Real Madrid forward during their 1-1 draw in LaLiga on Saturday.
Footage appeared to capture a man, and a young fan in separate incidences, making a racist ‘monkey’ gesture towards the player following a confrontation with Sevilla players in the 86th minute at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.
This is not the first time that Vinícius has been the target of racist insults from opposing fans, as he had recently provided testimony in the trial of three Valencia fans accused of racially abusing him during a match in May.
Following the match on Saturday, Sevilla promptly announced that they had identified and removed a member of the audience from the stadium and handed them over to legal authorities after detecting instances of xenophobic and racist behaviour.
In their statement, Sevilla FC expressed strong condemnation of all forms of racist and xenophobic conduct, emphasising their commitment to collaborate with authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken, and asserting that such behaviour has no place at Sevilla FC.
The individual in question will also face stringent internal disciplinary measures, including the revocation of their club membership.
Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, who is Black, has been targeted by racist abuse by rival fans on several occasions
Bellingham breaks up an altercation during the match between Sevilla players and Vini Jr
In a statement from the Brazilian winger, he wrote: ‘Congratulations to Sevilla on the quick positioning and penalty in another sad episode for Spanish football.’
‘Unfortunately I have access to a video of another racist at this Saturday’s game, this time carried out by a child. So sad there is no one to educate her. I invest a lot in education in Brazil to train citizens with different attitudes.
‘The face of today’s racist is stamped on websites as like several other times. I hope Spanish authorities do their part and change legislation for once. These people need to be criminally punished too.
‘It would be a great first step to prepare for 2030 World Cup. I am here to help. Sorry to sound repetitive, but it’s episode number 10. And counting…
Vinicius Jr has been subjected to racist abuse on multiple occasions, as he refers to ‘episode number 10’ as another sad moment for Spanish football.
