Lei Vini Jr. is sanctioned in Rio and provides for interruption in cases of racism

The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro (PL), sanctioned this Wednesday (5) Law 10.053/23, which establishes the Vini Jr State Policy to Combat Racism in the State’s Stadiums and Sports Arenas. The text provides for interruption of the match in case of complaint or racist demonstration, in addition to educational campaigns before and between competitions.

The new legislation comes after the repercussion of racist insults to Vinícius Júnior in the match between Valencia and Real Madrid, on May 21. The Brazilian has been systematically pursued by rival players and fans for at least two seasons. He warned of the image that Spain gives abroad by allowing such attacks to take place in the country’s biggest sporting competition. After the case, Valencia was fined and had part of its stadium closed. Three young people were arrested for insulting the player and are currently facing hate crimes.

According to the law, any citizen may report racist conduct to any authority present at the stadium. The complaint must be forwarded to the organization of the event, to the Police Station for Racial Crimes and Intolerance Crimes (Decradi) and to the authorities.

The interruption of a game due to discriminatory acts will last as long as the event organizer or the match delegate deems necessary. In addition, the game may be closed in case of acts practiced by groups or in a repeated way.

Vinicius Junior was present at Maracanã this Wednesday. He received the Tiradentes Medal and the Pedro Ernesto Medal, respectively, the highest honors granted by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) and by the Chamber of Councillors. He was also awarded the title of citizen of Rio de Janeiro. The 22-year-old striker also left his mark on the stadium’s Walk of Fame and thanked the recognition for his career in football.

“Today is a very special day and I hope my family is proud of me, of everything they’ve done to get me here. Flamengo games, it’s exciting,” he said.

The State of Rio also sanctioned Law 10.052/23, which includes the Day of the Historical Response Against Racism in Football, celebrated on April 7, in the official Rio calendar. The date refers to the Vasco demonstration, in 1924, which refused the proposal of the Metropolitan Association of Athletic Sports (AMEA) to exclude its black players and workers.