Vinicius Jr has had his red card rescinded with handed a partial stadium ban following the racist abuse directed at the star on Sunday.
Brazil international during Valencia’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old attempted to bring the abuse to the referee’s attention and was later sent off in the 97th minute of action after an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro.
The Spanish FA [RFEF] have now announced that red card has been rescinded. The Mestalla’s Mario Kempes Stand, from which the majority of Sunday’s abuse appeared to originate from, will also be closed for five matches.
No fans will be in the stand for Valencia’s final game of the season against Espanyol this weekend with the ban set to carry over to next season. Valencia have also been fined €45,000.
Vinicius will now be available for selection against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
A statement read: ‘The Competition Committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, more specifically of the south stand Mario Kempes, following the events which took place during the Primera División National League Championship match between the home team and Real Madrid CF.
‘It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his report, there were racist shouts at Vinicius, a Real Madrid CF player, during the aforementioned match, disrupting the normal course of the match and considering the offences to be very serious. In addition, a financial penalty of 45,000 euros was imposed on Valencia.
‘An appeal may be lodged with the Appeals Committee within ten working days.’
Vinicius has been targeted with
‘The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists,’ said Vinicius.
‘It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
‘A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.
‘And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.’
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