Barcelona manager Xavi has reiterated his support for Vinicius Junior but has controversially revealed he was surprised by the decision to rescind the Real Madrid star’s red card against Valencia.
LaLiga players and officials called for racism to be tackled in Spain as the competition resumed in the wake of the controversy which has rocked the sport.
Before Tuesday night’s games between Real Valladolid and Barcelona, and Celta Vigo and Girona, players from both sides, as well as the match officials, stood behind banners which read ‘Racism, out of football’.
The footage also showed a supporter holding up a placard with ‘No Al Racismo’ (No to Racism) written on it.
There were similar sentiments at the Valladolid-Barcelona game as fans showed their support for Br azil international.
Barcelona forward Raphinha removed his shirt when substituted to show a message of support for Vinicius: "As long as the colour of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war."
Real Madrid forward Vinicius – who showed his appreciation of Raphinha’s gesture on social media – was set to serve a two or three-match ban after being sent off at Valencia on Sunday when he was the alleged target of racial chants.
But Spain’s competition committee – a body formed by one member from La Liga, one from the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) and one from RFEF (Spanish FA) – has rescinded that red card and Vinicius could now feature against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday if he overcomes a slight knee injury.
Xavi, meanwhile, offered his support to Vinicius ahead of last night’s game but upon learning that his suspension had been lifted, controversially suggested it should have stood after his altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro.
He said: "I don’t know if overturning Vinicius Junior’s red card is fair. My thoughts are that racism should be condemned."
"It’s a different thing what the players do on the pitch. There was aggression there so I am surprised that they rescinded the red card. "
Valencia received a five-game partial stadium closure and 45,000 euros fine on Tuesday Night.
An RFEF statement read: "The competition committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, more specifically the Mario Kempes south stand, following the events that occurred during the First Division National League Championship match between the local team and Real Madrid CF."
"It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his minutes, there were racist shouts at Vinicius, a Real Madrid CF player, during the aforementioned match, altering the normal course of the match and considering the infractions very serious."
"In addition, an economic sanction of 45,000 euros is imposed on Valencia."