Rio de Janeiro government passes anti-racism law for sporting events after Vinicius Jr

Rio de Janeiro’s government on Wednesday promulgated an anti-racism law against Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr.

Brazilian striker Vinicius was racially insulted by fans when Madrid played Valencia in May.

Local media said the law was prompted by the player’s reaction to the incident at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium, where the match was suspended for several minutes as the player pointed to those racially insulting him in the stands.

The “Vini Jr Law,” passed unanimously by Rio’s government in June, includes a protocol on how to handle complaints of racism and mandatory information campaigns.

“Today is a very special day and I hope my family is very proud,” Vinicius said at a ceremony at Maracana Stadium, where he made his debut for Flamengo in 2017.

“I am very young and did not expect to receive this honor.”

Vinicius also received accolades from Rio’s Legislative Assembly and City Council and his footprints were added to the stadium’s Walk of Fame alongside those of Brazilian greats such as Pele, Garrincha and Ronaldo.

“Sometimes I wonder if I earn that much,” he said. “I did not expect so many awards and affection in Maracana, where I have attended and played so many Flamengo matches.”

Rafael Picciani, Rio de Janeiro’s sports minister, said it was an honor to pay tribute to “an idol of Brazilian football, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro”.

“In addition to all his football achievements, Vinicius has also become a symbol of the fight against racism.”

(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; editing by Peter Rutherford)