Spanish police have made multiple arrests in connection with the racist abuse aimed at Vinicius Jr in Valencia and the effigy incident near Real Madrid’s training ground.

Real Madrid responded by filing a hate-crime complaint and expressing their support for the player. Meanwhile, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Vinicius will remain committed to the club despite the abuse he has faced in LaLiga matches.

“I don’t think (he will leave Spain), because he loves football and he loves Real Madrid. His love for the club is very big and he wants to make his career here,” said Ancelotti, emphasizing Vinicius’s strong attachment to the team.

The recent incidents have shed light on the need for stronger measures to combat racism in Spanish football. LaLiga has expressed its frustration at the current lack of sanctions and aims to acquire greater jurisdiction to punish clubs whose fans engage in racist behavior.

“LaLiga will request more sanctioning powers, with the aim of being more agile and effective in the fight against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport,” stated LaLiga in a statement.

According to the current law, LaLiga can only identify and report incidents, with limited power to enforce punishments. LaLiga intends to seek legislative changes that would grant them the authority to impose penalties such as playing matches behind closed doors or implementing financial fines.

LaLiga stated, “The purpose of the proposal is to request that LaLiga may exercise disciplinary authority over incidents of this type which occur in matches of the professional competition, so that the disciplinary bodies of LaLiga may proceed to sanction them, among other things, with the total or partial closure of the sports venue, the prohibition of access to it in the case of members/fans and the imposition of financial penalties, without prejudice to the adoption of provisional or precautionary measures that may be appropriate, depending on the nature and seriousness of the incidents.”

LaLiga has been at the forefront of identifying and reporting incidents of violence, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance in football stadiums. However, they feel frustrated by the lack of sanctions and convictions by disciplinary bodies, public administrations, and jurisdictional bodies to which they report.

“Despite its intense and continuous fight against violence and racism to the full extent of its powers (currently, according to Spanish legislation, limited to identifying and reporting the facts that occur), LaLiga feels tremendous frustration at the lack of sanctions and convictions,” stated LaLiga in response to the current situation.

In the coming days, LaLiga will formally request the amendment of relevant laws against violence, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance in sport. They aim to acquire the necessary disciplinary authority to take action against incidents that occur in professional matches, including the closure of sports venues, the prohibition of access for members/fans, and the imposition of financial penalties.

Real Madrid’s proactive response to the racist abuse against Vinicius Jr and LaLiga’s push for stronger sanctions reflect their dedication to addressing racism and intolerance in Spanish football