The state of Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday approved a bill which provides for the cessation of matches in the event of racist behavior, a first measure in this area in Brazil after the new insults suffered at the end of May in Spain by Vinicius Jr. , presented to the State Legislative Assembly, stipulates that in the event of “a complaint or proven racist behavior”, the meetings are interrupted for a period defined by the organizer of the event, or suspended if the incidents repeat themselves or are the work of a group.
Anyone can report a suspected racist act to the authorities, says the project. It follows a new wave of racist attacks against the Brazilian player of Real Madrid, targeted by racist insults in Valencia. The case caused a scandal, led to several arrests accompanied by heavy penalties and fueled criticism of the Spanish federation.
40% increase in complaints in 2022
The controversy “reinforced the need to create a policy that encourages respect, such as a protocol to combat racism in stadiums”, pleaded the deputy and author of the bill, Josemar. Especially since in Brazil, complaints of racism in stadiums increased by 40% in 2022, according to preliminary data from the Observatory of Racial Discrimination in Football.
The measure approved by the State of Rio (center) is thus part of the “”Vini Jr” policy of the fight against racism”. It also plans to broadcast awareness campaigns during half-time and the implementation of public policies to help victims of racist acts. Vinicius Jr, 22, is one of the managers of the national team and Real Madrid, which he joined at 16 after making his debut in Sao Gonçalo, in the suburbs of Rio.