Brazil state approves ‘Vini Jr’s law’ against football racism

Vinicius Junior. Pic/AFP

Legislators in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro approved a law on Tuesday to curtail football matches affected by racist abuse, after a wave of disgust over the treatment of Vinicius Junior.

The Real Madrid star, a native of the state, has been targeted multiple times by terrace racists over the past two years in Spain.

State deputy Prof Josemar, who drafted the legislation, said the winger's treatment "reinforced the need to create a policy to encourage respect, as well as a protocol to combat racism in stadiums."

The legislation - referred to by supporters as "Vini Jr's law" - will be sent to the governor for approval. The text provides that "in the event of a complaint or proven racist behavior," matches will be temporarily stopped, or suspended if the incidents are repeated or are the work of a group.

Anyone can report a suspected racist act to the authorities, it says.

Also Read: Fines, stadium-bans for Vinicius Junior's racist abusers

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