By Chima Azu
Spanish side Valencia plan to appeal a five-game stand closure imposed by Spanish FA (RFEF) in the show of shame that had Vinicius being racially abused.
The Brazilian winger was subjected to monkey chants from supporters in the Mario Kempes stand, with the game stopped at one point as Vinicius was visibly seen pointing at those responsible with his teammates also joining to identify the culprits.
With few minutes to the end of the game Vinicius got a red card after retaliating to being put in a chokehold by one of Valencia’s players, though that ban has been rescinded by the RFEF.
Spanish football governing body also imposed a five game closure of the Kempes stand which will affect Valencia’s final crucial home game of the season with the team still in the battle for relegation and first four of next season and with a fine of $45,000.
However Valencia say that the sanctions are “disproportionate and unfair” because they punish others in the stands who did not racially abuse Vinicius, and an appeal will be lodged.
A statement from the RFEF on their decision read:” The Competition Committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, specifically the Mario Kempes South stand, following the events that occurred during the match between the team and Real Madrid.
“It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his report, there were racist shout at Vinicius, altering the normal course of the match and the infractions are considered very serious.
