Spanish second-division side Albacete have issued an apology to Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior after their historic Copa del Rey victory was overshadowed by vile racist abuse.
Albacete secured a shocking 3-2 win over Madrid on Wednesday night but Vinicius Junior was caught in another racist incident. A banana was thrown at the Brazilian star during the match, while “disgusting xenophobic chants” were also reported outside the Carlos Belmonte stadium.
In a strongly worded statement released in the aftermath of the match, Albacete officials admitted they were “pained and ashamed” by the incidents targeting Vinicius Junior.
Furthermore, the club acknowledged that “disgusting xenophobic chants” had been directed at the player by a group of fans gathering outside the stadium prior to kick-off.
Vinicius Junior reacts during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Albacete and Real Madrid. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
“It is both painful and shameful that terrible, disgraceful, and reprehensible racist images tarnished a magical night,” the club’s official statement read.
“We are working to identify the person who threw a banana onto the pitch,” the statement continued. “We are requesting the assistance of the relevant authorities and our fans, whose cooperation we ask for during this process.”
Albacete have stated unequivocally that they will take “all disciplinary measures within its power” to ensure the culprits “never set foot in the Carlos Belmonte stadium again.” This lifetime ban approach mirrors the zero-tolerance policy that La Liga and Spanish clubs have been attempting to implement more rigorously in recent seasons.
The club were also keen to separate the actions of a “small group” from the wider fanbase, who created an electric atmosphere for the cup tie. “Albacete, on behalf of all its exemplary fans, wishes to show its support for Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and all Madridistas in the face of such despicable behaviour,” they added.
Vinicius Jr has been caught in various racist incident since he joined Real Madrid.
In March 2024, the winger broke down in tears during a press conference, confessing that he felt “less and less like playing football” because the perpetrators were going unpunished.
