✊ CBF issues statement in solidarity with Vinícius Júnior | OneFootball

The Brazilian Football Confederation has come out in support of star man Vinícius Júnior after racial tension unfolded in Lisbon.

Vini Jr, who scored the only goal in Real Madrid's 1-0 first-leg win over Benfica, with the support of Kylian Mbappé, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the rest of his Los Blancos teammates, alleged that he suffered racist abuse from Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni.

In the aftermath of those events, the CBF wasted no time in standing in solidarity with one of their own with a public show of support.

"The CBF stands in solidarity with Vinícius Júnior, victim of yet another act of racism this Tuesday, after scoring for Real Madrid against Benfica in Lisbon," the statement read.

"Racism is a crime. It is unacceptable. It cannot exist in football or anywhere else."

"Vini, you are not alone."

"Your decision to activate the protocol is an example of courage and dignity. We are proud of you."

"We will remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of discrimination. We stand by your side. Always."

This is not the first time that Vini Jr has been at the heart of the troubling trend of racism in football, with the Brazilian also the subject of an effigy of him hanging from a bridge in Madrid back in 2023, in which four men were subsequently arrested by Spanish police.

📸 FILIPE AMORIM - AFP or licensors