It marked the 20th time Vinicius alleges he has been the subject of abuse during his eight years at Real Madrid.

Here, Balague gives his perspective and details how the 25-year-old forward has become a global symbol of resistance against discrimination.

Football should have been revelling in a masterpiece last night – Vinicius scoring a goal so outrageous it deserved to dominate every headline.

Instead, once again, the sport was dragged into the same rancid swamp it never seems able to climb out of: alleged racism, denials, excuses and a staggering lack of understanding from those who should know better.

Vinicius has been here before many, many times. In fact, he has now faced 20 incidents of alleged abuse.

The latest accusation is that Benfica’s Argentine midfielder Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him minutes after that wonder goal.

Prestianni denies the allegation. Vinicius has been backed strongly by a number of his team-mates, in particular Kylian Mbappe who told the media he heard a racist term used five times.

After the game, Benfica boss Jose Mourinho effectively blamed the player himself for provoking the situation.

“These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately was not just happy to score that astonishing goal,” he told Amazon Prime Video Sport. “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”

He then went on to claim that Benfica couldn’t possibly be a racist football club for the simple reason that its greatest-ever player Eusebio was black.

Mourinho’s comments mark a new low, but are nonetheless indicative of the media debate – particularly in Spain and today clearly in Portugal – that remains stuck in the same place.

“Yes, they insult him, but he should behave better,” seems to be the constant refrain.

As if you could separate one thing from the other. As if they weren’t part of the same process.

When Vinicius confronts the stands his attitude is interpreted as arrogant and inappropriate.

But that reaction is said to stem from the same source as his protests against racism: a constant struggle against a hostile environment.

Frantz Fanon said in his influential 1952 book Black Skin, White Masks: “The Black man has to fight twice as hard to be accepted as a man.”

Perhaps for Vinicius this burden translates into anger, tension and gestures that, from the outside, seem excessive.

But seen from within, they could be viewed as pure survival.

When the Spanish press demands that Vinicius limit himself to “playing and keeping quiet,” it points to what the American sociologist Eduardo Bonilla-Silva called “racism without racists” – cultural frameworks that don’t directly insult, but blame the affected person for their reaction.

Vinicius has become a global symbol of resistance against discrimination as he strives to get the authorities to toughen their protocols and actions.

Image source: Getty Images and Eurasia Sport Images

Image caption: Vinicius Jr cries while talking about racism during a press conference in 2024

Detailing the cases of racist abuse against Vinicius

The hostility towards Vinicius is real – and it has names, dates and court sentences.

The latest incident at the Estadio da Luz marks the 20th time he has allegedly been abused in his time with Real Madrid.

He has been insulted in stadiums across Spain. He has testified in court after a black mannequin wearing his shirt was hung from a bridge.

He has seen fans being sanctioned with suspended sentences for racist abuse in Valencia and Mallorca. This was largely thanks to La Liga’s efforts to ensure those actions do not remain unpunished within a judicial culture that long treated football’s “industrial” language and “banter” with indulgence.

A chronology of some of the incidents suffered by him makes for depressing reading.

Back in October 2021 during a Clasico at the Camp Nou, a fan shouted racist abuse at him as he was being substituted. The case was closed because the police were unable to identify the perpetrator.

Then in March 2022, Mallorca fans made monkey noises towards him and told him that he should “go pick bananas”.

The authorities were “outraged” and said it was “despicable” but not “criminally significant”. No action was taken.

On the Spanish football programme El Chiringuito, Pedro Bravo, the head of the Spanish Football Agents’ Association, suggested Vinicius should “stop acting like a monkey” and respect his opponents.

He later apologized on X, claiming he had “badly used the expression… in a metaphorical way to mean ‘fooling around'”.

The comment caused outrage, especially in Brazil. No further action was taken.

In September 2022, Atletico Madrid fans chanted racist abuse outside the stadium. Prosecutors did not file charges.

Then things got even worse.

A doll wearing Vinicius’ jersey was found hanging from a bridge in January 2023. Four members of the supporters’ group Frente Atletico were sentenced to prison terms of between 14 and 22 months, which were later commuted to fines and restraining orders.

Further incidents followed over the next few months, all of which led to little or no repercussions for the perpetrators.

If there was a turning point it occurred in Valencia at the Mestalla in May 2023, when Vinicius confronted the stands after being insulted.

Later, in extra time, he was sent off after an argument with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and for punching Hugo Duro in the face.

In June 2024, three fans were sentenced to eight months in prison and two years of stadium bans for their part in the abuse. It was the first sentence of its kind in Spain.

When he returned to Mestalla in March 2024 he was met by a chorus of boos. His response? Two goals, celebrated with a raised fist.

Sometimes he doesn’t even have to be at the match to suffer the racial taunts.

Eleven days after the Mestalla return, racist abuse towards him was chanted before a Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and Inter. Real Madrid reported the incident to the hate crimes prosecutor’s office.

Then five days later, at Osasuna’s ground shouts of “Vinicius die” were heard.

On 29 September 2024, four people were arrested for inciting a hate campaign on social media under anonymity to insult the player during the derby against Atletico Madrid.

Most recently, this February, during the Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad, referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez paused the match through Spain’s anti-hate protocol.

This was due to chants against another player, but the cameras also captured a fan making monkey gestures towards Vinicius during the stoppage. The club broadcast announcements over the PA system and LED screens rejecting xenophobic chants.

Only last month, during Alvaro Arbeloa’s debut as Real manager against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, a group of their fans hurled racist insults at the Brazilian.

La Liga strongly condemned the incident, reaffirming its support for the player.

And now the Lisbon incident.

Perhaps you might wonder why Vinicius continues to react and fight? He gave an answer in June 2024 after the racists who abused him in Valencia were sentenced to jail term.

“Many people asked me to ignore it, others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just ‘play football’,” Vinicius said in a post on X.

“But, as I’ve always said, I’m not a victim of racism. I am an executioner of racists. This first criminal conviction in Spanish history is not for me. It’s for all black people.”

The incident is alleged to have happened at the Liverpool vs Bournemouth Premier League fixture on 15 August, Merseyside Police previously said.

Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator during the first Premier League game of the season in which he scored two goals. Match referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute and a man was ejected from the Anfield stadium.

Mark Mogan of Templehill Close, Dovecot, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he pleaded not guilty to an offence of racially aggravated disorderly behaviour against the Bournemouth forward.

The 47-year-old, who appeared in person, spoke only to confirm his name and address and enter his plea.

His trial is scheduled to take place on 22 April next year, with Semenyo expected to attend the proceedings, the court heard.

Mr Mogan was released on bail on condition that he does not contact Semenyo directly or indirectly, or make reference to him on social media.

He was also banned from attending any regulated football grounds as part of his bail conditions, the court was told.

A spokesperson for Liverpool Football Club said in August it was aware of the allegation of racist abuse and that “we condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football”.

The Football Association said it was “concerned” about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure “appropriate action” would be taken.

The 31-year-old Ghana international was targeted in the 13th minute of the match while taking a throw-in, prompting a brief stoppage in play. Despite the intervention, sections of the home crowd continued to boo Antwi-Adjei each time he touched the ball until the final whistle.

In a statement, the GFA described the abuse as “evil” and emphasized that racism has no place in football or society.

“WE STAND WITH CHRISTOPHER ANTWI-ADJEI,” the GFA said.

“Ghana and the entire football world watched in sadness as our brother, Christopher Antwi-Adjei, was subjected to racial abuse during Schalke 04’s German Cup tie against FC Lokomotive Leipzig.

“Racism is evil. It has no place in football. It has no place in society. Christopher showed incredible strength in the face of hate — reminding us all that dignity and character will always rise above ignorance.

“As the Ghana Football Association, we stand firmly with him. We echo his courage, and we demand a game where every player is respected, no matter their colour, race, or origin.

“Football is about unity. Football is about love. Football is for all of us.

“Let’s raise our voices together: NO TO RACISM. YES TO EQUALITY.”

Following the incident, Antwi-Adjei filed a police complaint, and authorities have opened an investigation.

Schalke sporting director Frank Baumann and head coach Miron Muslic also condemned the act.

• Ghana’s Christopher Antwi-Adjei suffers racial abuse during Schalke’s DFB-Pokal clash

The incident occurred in the 13th minute when the 31-year-old winger approached the touchline to take a throw-in. A home supporter reportedly hurled racist insults at him, prompting the referee to briefly halt play for a stadium announcement.

Despite the intervention, sections of the Leipzig crowd continued to boo Antwi-Adjei each time he touched the ball—a reaction Schalke later described as “utterly incomprehensible and disappointing.”

After the game, Antwi-Adjei filed a complaint with the police, who have since opened an investigation.

Expressing his frustration, the Ghanaian said: “It is very disappointing to still have to experience something like this today. It should not happen. I hope this person thinks again about their words.”

Schalke sporting director Frank Baumann condemned the incident, stressing the club’s support for the player. “We condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms and hope the perpetrator will be identified. Schalke stands firmly at Christopher’s side.”

Head coach Miron Muslic also criticised the reaction from the crowd. “We cannot just put this aside. The entire stadium sensed what happened, yet they booed him. That is not the act of one individual.”

The club reaffirmed its commitment to fighting racism and promoting tolerance at every level of the game.

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The Cherries’ Friday game against Liverpool was briefly halted in the 29th minute after Semenyo flagged it up to the referee.

A 47-year-old man from Liverpool, who was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, has been conditionally bailed, Merseyside Police said.

The conditions include a ban on attending any regulated football match in the UK and not going within one mile of a designated football stadium.

The force said the investigation into the incident was ongoing and it was working closely with Liverpool Football Club.

The 25-year-old Ghana international posted on social media that the night at Anfield would stay with him forever “because of how the entire football family stood together”.

He thanked his teammates, Liverpool players and fans and the Premier League officials “who handled it professionally”.

His comments came a day after Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo was the target of racist abuse during his side’s 4-2 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

“No Premier League footballer should ever have to, in their workplace or online, suffer that sort of abuse. It is important that we keep saying that,” Masters told BBC Sport.

“It is a problem for society. It leaks into football and it shouldn’t happen in a football stadium. It shouldn’t happen online.

“It makes people like me and other football people in charge of the game think twice about what else we can do to ensure that these things don’t happen in the future.

“If you are found to be using discriminatory language inside a football ground you will be ejected, second you will be banned and third you may face criminal charges.”

Friday’s game was briefly halted in the 29th minute to address the incident, with referee Anthony Taylor summoning both managers to the touchline for a briefing.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Bournemouth counterpart Adam Smith were then called over to the benches for further instructions before play resumed four minutes later.

Ghana international Semenyo went on to score twice after play resumed.

Merseyside Police confirmed that the 47-year-old man from Liverpool who was ejected after the incident had been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and taken into custody to be interviewed.

Semenyo thanked his teammates, Liverpool, match officials and the “entire football family” for their support in a statement on Saturday.

“Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever — not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together,” Semenyo wrote on Instagram.

The incident at Anfield followed reports of Tottenham Hotspur’s French forward Mathys Tel being subjected to racist abuse on social media after missing a penalty in his side’s UEFA Super Cup defeat by Paris St Germain on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old forward reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor, prompting a temporary halt to the game. The offending spectator was swiftly removed from the stadium by police officers.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the GFA praised Semenyo’s composure, describing his reaction as exemplary.

“The GFA condemns in the strongest terms all acts of racism and bigotry, which have no place in football or in society. While the incident is deeply concerning, what shines brighter is Antoine’s remarkable response. In the face of provocation, he chose grace over grievance, strength of character over victimhood, and unity over division.”

The Association further applauded Semenyo’s maturity both on and off the pitch, noting that his two goals and dignified reaction reflected the true spirit of football.

“Antoine not only showcased his exceptional talent on the pitch with two goals but also displayed extraordinary maturity and dignity off it. His statement reflected the true spirit of football; seeing the good in the football community, acknowledging solidarity, tolerance, respect, and the love for a game that unites people across the world.”

“The GFA applauds Antoine Semenyo for being both an outstanding footballer and an inspiring role model. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the English football community and the global football family for the immense support shown to him.”

The governing body also expressed gratitude to the wider football fraternity for rallying behind the player, singling out messages of support from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Meanwhile, Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man was arrested on Saturday in connection with the incident and remains in custody for questioning.

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Semenyo was targeted during Friday night’s Premier League opener at Anfield, forcing the match to be temporarily halted in the 29th minute after the forward reported the incident to referee Anthony Taylor.

Despite the disruption, play resumed, and Semenyo went on to score twice, although Bournemouth eventually fell 4-2 to Liverpool.

“I am here for Antoine, whenever he needs it, and we are here as a club to deal with it in the best way possible because it shouldn’t happen,” the Dutch defender told Sky Sports.

“But we stand with him completely,” he added.

Merseyside Police confirmed that a 47-year-old man was arrested on Saturday in connection with the incident.

Both Liverpool and Bournemouth, along with the Premier League, have strongly condemned the abuse, with the league launching a full investigation.

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• Man arrested after for racially abusing Antoine Semenyo

The incident occurred in the 29th minute of the match, prompting referee Anthony Taylor to halt play briefly.

The individual accused of directing abuse towards the Ghana international was swiftly ejected from the stadium before later being taken into custody on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence. He is now being questioned by police.

Semenyo, 25, later revealed that he was also targeted with racist messages on Instagram following the game, sharing screenshots of the abuse with the caption: “When will it stop?”

Despite the incident, the Bournemouth forward delivered a standout performance, scoring twice in his side’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.

Writing on social media the following day, Semenyo described the night as unforgettable, not because of the abuse, but because of the solidarity he experienced.

“Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.

“To my @afcb team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the @liverpoolfc players and fans who showed their true character, to the @premierleague officials who handled it professionally – thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.”

He added that his goals were his way of “speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch” and expressed gratitude for the widespread messages of support he has since received from across the football community.

“Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play – for moments like these, for my team-mates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.

“The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together.”

Both clubs and the Premier League have strongly condemned the abuse, with the league confirming it has launched a full investigation into the incident.

Merseyside Police have launched an investigation after Semenyo was abused by someone in the crowd during the first half at Anfield, with a 47-year-old man later ejected from the stadium.

Ghana international Semenyo took to Instagram after the game to show more racist abuse he had received, with the caption: “When will it stop?”

In a further post on Instagram on Saturday, the 25-year-old, who scored twice in Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat, said: “Last night at Anfield will stay with me forever – not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together.

“To my Bournemouth team-mates who supported me in that moment, to the Liverpool players and fans who showed their true character, to the Premier League officials who handled it professionally – thank you. Football showed its best side when it mattered most.

“Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch. This is why I play – for moments like these, for my team-mates, for everyone who believes in what this beautiful game can be.

“The overwhelming messages of support from across the football world remind me why I love this sport. We keep moving forward, together.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk called the incident “a disgrace”, and said anti-racism campaigns need to do more to eradicate it from the game.

“The only thing we can do is deal with it by dealing with him personally and try to educate the next generation,” he said. “That is the only way to try and kick it out, in my opinion.

“I can’t believe it. These things shouldn’t happen but unfortunately it does and it is an absolute disgrace in my eyes.”

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says anyone guilty of racist abuse will be banned from stadiums and could face prosecution.

“No Premier League footballer should ever have to, in their workplace or online, suffer that sort of abuse. It is important that we keep saying that,” Masters told BBC Sport.

“It is a problem for society. It leaks into football, and it shouldn’t happen in a football stadium. It shouldn’t happen online.

“It makes people like me and other football people in charge of the game think twice about what else we can do to ensure that these things don’t happen in the future.

“If you are found to be using discriminatory language inside a football ground you will be ejected, second you will be banned, and third you may face criminal charges.”

The Premier League says it is investigating the incident and has offered its support to Semenyo and both clubs.

Instagram’s owner Meta said it is investigating and will take action against any offending comments and accounts.

The game, which ended in a thrilling 4-2 win for Liverpool, was briefly halted in the first half after Semenyo reported the abuse to the referee. Officials from both teams intervened before play resumed.

On the field, Liverpool’s new signing Hugo Ekitike broke the deadlock before setting up Cody Gakpo for the second shortly after halftime. Semenyo responded in style, scoring twice in quick succession to level the game for Bournemouth. However, late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah secured victory for the Reds.

Following the match, Liverpool issued an official statement denouncing the incident and confirming that it is now under police investigation.

“Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth,” the club stated.

“We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms; it has no place in society or football. The club is unable to comment further as tonight’s alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.”

The AFC Bournemouth striker reported the incident to the referee in the first half, leading to swift intervention by match officials and team representatives. Play was temporarily halted before continuing.

Semenyo, however, responded on the pitch in the best possible way, netting twice in the second half despite his side eventually losing 4-2 to Liverpool.

Speaking after the match, Slot described the incident as “unacceptable” and applauded the 24-year-old’s mental strength.

“It’s unacceptable in every football stadium, let alone at Anfield. Big credit to him—if something like this happens and you can still deliver such a performance in the second half,” the Dutch coach remarked.

Semenyo, who emerged as Bournemouth’s standout player on the night, will be aiming to maintain his fine form when the Cherries host Wolves at the Vitality Stadium next weekend.

Rudiger clashed with Pachuca captain Gustavo Cabral in injury time when the Germany defender went down claiming he had been fouled by the Argentine.

Rudiger then spoke to referee Ramon Abatti Abel, who crossed his arms in front of his chest, which signals the anti-racism protocol has been activated.

It is unclear whether the alleged racial abuse was from someone in the crowd or a player.

Fifa’s three-step process for racism is stopping a match, suspending it and finally abandoning it if the problem continues.

The match ended soon after the incident – with Real winning 3-1 – and the players again arguing after the final whistle.

Real manager Xabi Alonso said: “That’s what Rudiger said, and we believe him.

“It is important to have zero tolerance in these kinds of situations. Fifa now is investigating. That’s all I can say.”

In 2021, Rudiger, then at Chelsea, says “nothing ever really changes” after anti-discrimination campaigns in football, but he will “continue to fight” against racist abuse.

Last week campaigners criticised Fifa after it appeared to drop anti-racism messaging at the Club World Cup.

Charles Ogunmilade, 28, previously admitted posting a “grossly offensive” message on X, attacking the midfielder for missing a chance during the 3-3 draw with Southampton on 21 April last year.

Partey sent a shot over the crossbar, and the court heard Ogunmilade posted: “Nah, when Partey skied that shot I actually screamed you dirty black cunt.”

Suleman Hussain, prosecuting, said the post was reported to police. He said when officers attended Ogunmilade’s address: “The defendant appeared stunned and [the officers] could see he was afraid because his eyes had widened and his eyebrows became arched and became dumbfounded.”

He said Ogunmilade told police the post was intended to be a sarcastic quote within a friendship group. “He said the group would mimic what a white racist would say,” he said.

Ogunmilade, who is of Nigerian descent, represented himself. In mitigation, he told the court he and his friends had been affected by the racism directed at black England players after the team lost the Euro 2020 final.

“Our coping mechanism was to make fun of it, to limit the power these people have over you,” he said. He said he was concerned how a banning order, which would require him to surrender his passport to police every time England play an away game, could affect his career – including travelling to the US – and visits to his family in Nigeria. “I am not a racist person,” he said.

Magistrate Shaoni Myer said the panel had taken into account Ogunmilade’s early guilty plea, his previous good character, his personal circumstances, his experience of racism and his intention for the post to be satire.

Ogunmilade was ordered to pay a fine of £125, a surcharge of £50 and an £85 contribution to the prosecution’s costs. “We really have no choice,” she said. “Giving you a conditional discharge would not be appropriate.”

The game was briefly halted due to reported racist chants aimed at Nico by some Atlético Madrid supporters.

Inaki expressed his frustration over the incident, defending his brother’s performance on the field.

“My brother gives his all on the field. He loves bringing joy to those who watch him, and I don’t understand why people criticize him,” said the 29-year-old.

“I believe those jeers should be directed at the individuals who made those insults, not the victim. No.”

He continued, “This isn’t the first time it has happened. We need to work together to create a world where such actions are not tolerated, not just in football but in society as a whole.”

“I believe this scourge must come to an end. People need to understand that enduring this type of insult is not easy.”

Despite the incident, Bilbao suffered a 3-1 defeat, impacting their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

The Williams brothers recently led Athletic Bilbao to their first Copa Del Rey title in 40 years.

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Mauricio Pochettino’s side lost 1-0 to City at Wembley in a game in which Jackson missed three promising chances.

“There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we operate a zero-tolerance approach to any incident of this nature,” said a Chelsea statement.

“The club will support any criminal prosecutions and take the strongest possible action, including bans, against any individual who is found to be a season ticket-holder or member.”

Senegal forward Jackson, 22, joined Chelsea from Spanish side Villarreal last summer.

He has scored 13 goals this season, with 10 in the Premier League.

“He’s our main striker, the only striker we have fit,” said Chelsea manager Pochettino, before his side’s trip to Arsenal on Tuesday.

“He’s doing fantastic. He’s doing an amazing job for the team; running, scoring goals, giving assists. His first season, a young guy, came in from Spain, even with not too much experience there.

“If we want the player to match the iconic players here, if we compare him

with [Didier] Drogba, obviously he’s going to lose.

“But he’s going to have all my support. Even if he doesn’t score, the way that

he’s fighting for the club and his team-mates, he’s producing chances.

“He needs time to improve. He’ll be better next season for sure, no doubt about that.”

The Ghana international was singled out for their 2-1 defeat against Los Angeles FC despite his impressive performance.

The derogatory message was posted on Paintsil’s official Instagram page, shortly after the match.

Moments after the post was shared, fans of both LA FC and LA Galaxy joined forces to condemn the despicable conduct.

LA Galaxy have since released a statement of solidarity with Paintsil while condemning the racist behaviour.

“LA Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil was the victim of a racist social media incident following Saturday’s match against LAFC.

“The club stands with Joseph and anyone who has faced racial abuse through social platforms or anywhere else. The incident was immediately reported to Major League Soccer.

“We are also working with MLS to ensure Joseph has all the resources and support he needs at this time. There is no place for racism in our community, in our league or anywhere else in society,” the statement read.

Paintsil joined LA Galaxy on February 21, 2024, from Belgian side, KRC Genk.

Since joining the Western Conference side, Paintsil has scored two twice with two assists in seven MLS appearances.

The pair exchanged words on the pitch as a World Cup qualifier between the sides in Rio de Janeiro was delayed by 30 minutes because of violent clashes between police and visiting fans.

Rodyrgo said he had received messages with emojis of monkeys and bananas.

“My social networks were invaded with insults,” Rodrygo wrote on Instagram.

“If we don’t do what they want if we don’t behave as they think we should, if we wear something that annoys them if we don’t lower our heads when they attack us, if we occupy spaces they think are theirs alone, the racists will act out their criminal behaviour.

“Racists are always on duty. Bad luck for them. We won’t stop.”

Messi was seen interacting with Brazil captain Marquinhos and Rodrygo before several Argentina players tried to calm the developing situation in the stands at Maracana Stadium.

After a lengthy delay, the World Cup qualifier did go ahead, with Argentina winning 1-0.

Two goals from Jude Bellingham, including a last-minute winner, saw Madrid beat their fierce rivals 2-1 at Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.

The alleged racist abuse occurred when the 23-year-old, who has been targeted several times during his time in Spain, was substituted in added time.

La Liga also said it would investigate.

In a statement released on social media, the league said it “has been working from the outset to identify the individuals involved in making racist insults and will file the relevant charges”.

Barcelona’s statement read: “FC Barcelona will always defend the values of football and sport, such as respect for the opponent, and we will investigate any racist insult that may have occurred.”

Vinicius, who was abused in the same fixture last season, last week praised Sevilla for acting swiftly to eject and report a fan to authorities for allegedly racially abusing him.

An image posted by the forward on social media appeared to show a man making a racist gesture towards him.

Earlier this month he gave evidence in the trial of three Valencia fans accused of racially abusing him during a game in May at Estadio Mestalla.

The racist abuse Vinicius has faced in the past 12 months includes:

• September 2022 – Some Atletico Madrid fans sang racist songs toward Vinicius outside their Wanda Metropolitano stadium before Real Madrid played them. Atletico Madrid later condemned the “unacceptable” chants by a “minority” of fans.
• September 2022 – Some pundits in Spain criticised Vinicius’ goal celebration, in which he danced by the corner flag. He responded by saying “the happiness of a black Brazilian in Europe” is behind the criticism.
• December 2022 – Vinicius appeared to be subjected to racist abuse at Valladolid while he walked past fans after being substituted. La Liga said it has filed charges relating to the racist abuse of Vinicius to the “relevant judicial, administrative and sporting bodies”.
• January 2023 – An effigy of the Real Madrid winger was hung from a bridge near the club’s training ground before a game against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Atletico said the incident was “repugnant”.
• February 2023 – Mallorca fans were filmed allegedly racially abusing the Brazilian during a game against Real.
• March 2023 – La Liga said “intolerable racist behaviour was once again observed against Vinicius” in a game against Barcelona and it had reported the racist insults to the Barcelona Court of Instruction.
• May 2023 – Vinicius suffers racist abuse against Valencia. Three people are later detained in connection with the abuse.