– Kick It Out has issued an official statement regarding the incident involving Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Benfica, after he reported being subjected to racist abuse.
The statement read:
When someone reports discrimination in football or anywhere else, the first priority is to listen to them and support them.
Focusing on Vinicius Junior’s goal celebration or the club’s history instead of acknowledging the report is a form of psychological manipulation.
This approach not only harms the person affected, but also sends the wrong message to others around the world who may have experienced similar situations.
Leaders in football have a crucial role to play in setting standards, and moments like this call for responsible leadership that promotes respect, inclusivity and accountability.
We look forward to a thorough investigation into this incident, with appropriate accountability attached to the findings.
