The match between Valencia and Real Madrid this coming weekend has been classified as “high risk” by the relevant authorities.

On Saturday, Real Madrid will make their much-anticipated return to Valencia, the home of the stadium where Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. was subjected to racial abuse a year ago, with the goal of solidifying their already firm hold atop the La Liga standings.

Since May 2023, when racial epithets were reportedly directed at the Brazilian player—the tenth incident of that kind that LaLiga reported to authorities during the previous season—Real and 23-year-old Vinicius will not be returning to Mestalla.

Ten minutes were lost during which Vinicius called out supporters who were mistreating him. Later, he got into a fight with Valencia players, which resulted in his dismissal from the game.

A number of national and international efforts, including the formation of a special FIFA anti-racism committee comprised of players who would advocate for harsher penalties for discriminatory conduct in football, were sparked by the notorious incidents that resulted in an outpouring of sympathy for the Brazilian.

On March 26, Brazil will take on Spain in a friendly match at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Real Madrid in honour of Vinicius Jr. and the fight against racism.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) fined Valencia 45,000 euros ($48,726.00) for closing part of its south stand for five games.

Four people were given lifetime bans by Valencia for their roles in the event, but the team has emphasised that the actions of a small fraction of its supporters do not reflect the views of the club as a whole.

However, hostilities flared up once more this week when Valencia turned down Netflix’s demands to visit Mestalla on Saturday or speak with their players for a documentary they are producing on Vinicius’ life.

The State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport in Spain’s Standing Committee declared the match to be a “high-risk match” due to the expected high level of tension in Valencia. This means that additional police and private security will be provided by the club both inside and outside the stadium.

Furthermore, there will be a sizable protest in the afternoon against Valencia’s owner, Peter Lim, which might make matters more difficult in terms of security. Hugo Duro, a striker for Valencia, said on Spanish Gol TV on Wednesday, “I’m looking forward to Saturday so that Vini can see that those idiots do not represent our fans.”

“He’s going to be in a tough atmosphere, but with the utmost respect at the football level. He will experience our fans’ pressure, but in a respectful way.”

With 65 points, Real Madrid is six points clear of Girona in second place. On Sunday, Real Madrid will play at Mallorca as third-place Barcelona, with 57 points, visits Athletic Bilbao.
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Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Ken Ferris

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