DStv Channel 403 Wednesday, 18 December 2024

Vinicius out for Madrid, Valencia racism punishment cut

Vinicius drew global support after making a stand against racist abuse he received on from Valencia supporters last weekend

MADRID - Vinicius Junior, subjected to racial abuse last weekend, will miss a second successive match due to a knee problem, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

The 22-year-old Brazilian winger has received worldwide support since being racially abused by Valencia fans last Sunday.

Los Che's punishment was also reduced by Spain's appeal committee, with a five-match partial stadium closure reduced to three games.

Vinicius did not play against Rayo Vallecano in Madrid's midweek win because of some knee discomfort but was present as his teammates showed him their support by wearing his number 20 shirt before the game.

He has failed to shake off the problem for Saturday's away match with Europa League finalists Sevilla.

"Vinicius will not travel because he will not play, he'd go if he had the chance of playing (but) his knee is still giving him problems," Ancelotti told a news conference Friday.

"It doesn't matter if it's home or away, he can't play. I hope that he can play in the last game."

Vinicius was sent off against Valencia but his ban was later overturned by the Spanish football federation's Competition Committee.

One Sevilla fan group are encouraging supporters to protest against Real Madrid and their president Florentino Perez because of the decision by waving white handkerchiefs at the game.

Valencia contested their punishment following the incident and the Spanish football federation's appeal committee reduced the sanctions against them on Friday.

The Spanish side must close the south stand of their Mestalla stadium for three home matches instead of five, while their fine was also reduced from 45,000 euros to 27,000 euros ($29,000).

Valencia host Espanyol on Sunday in La Liga in a vital match with both teams battling relegation, in which the stand will be closed.

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