Brazil vs Spain: How Vinicius-inspired anti-racism match made no difference and raised no money

Brazil vs Spain: How Vinicius-inspired anti-racism match made no difference and raised no money

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 17:02 - 28.03.2024

Brazil played against Spain in a friendly game meant to raise money for charity and the fight against racism but failed to achieve any success.

Brazil took on Spain on Tuesday in a friendly match geared towards combating racism, inspired by the endless abuse Vinicius Junior has faced in Spain over the past 3 years.

However, according to an exclusive piece by the Athletic, the main purpose of the game failed to be accomplished with none of the revenue going to charity.

Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Junior

Vinicius was named captain, and their players emerged from the tunnel wearing jackets bearing the motto "one identity", a gesture that Spain failed to reciprocate.

He has been at the forefront of the battle against racism for more than 3 years, and since 2021, Spanish prosecutors have registered 18 different complaints of alleged racist abuse against the Real Madrid winger.

Brazil vs Spain anti-racism match a failure

According to the Athletic's report, both federations sold a match against racism but the outcome was much further from that reality.

In Monday's press conference before the game, Vinicius said "What frustrates me the most is a lack of punishment.

"In Barcelona, a case involving a friend of mine got shelved.

"Punishments are not going to change these people's minds but at least they would be afraid to do that."

Perhaps Tuesday's friendly would have been the perfect opportunity for the Spanish FA to take a serious stand, to support Vinicius and hundreds of black players scattered across Spain, but instead, a great opportunity has been wasted.