The president of the Spanish soccer federation has openly admitted that the country has a racism problem after yet another controversial moment, which saw Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr being racially targeted by Valencia supporters.
Real Madrid has filed a complaint to the authorities, where they state that the racial abuse is identical to hate crime.
“We have a problem of behavior, of education, of racism,” Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales said on Monday.
“And as long as there is one fan or one group of fans making insults based on someone’s sexual orientation or skin color or belief, then we have a serious problem. A serious problem that stains an entire team, an entire fan base and an entire country.”
Valencia has banned one of its fans for life and are currently investigating others that may have offended Vinicius at the Mestalla.
The 22-year-old has constantly been subjected for racial abuse with 9 complaints filed to the soccer governing body in his 5-year stint at Real Madrid.