‘Vinicius Junior law’ comes into action in Brazil | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Brazil Vinicius Junior has been the most vocal and outspoken critic of racism in Spain, facing horrendous racism head on. It has brought plenty of support from back home in Brazil, where the battle against racism has been taken up with renewed fervour.

Perhaps the most concrete example of change brought about by his action is the so-called ‘Vinicius law’ which came into force on Tuesday, as reported by Diario AS. It sets out a legal framework for officials at sporting events in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

In case of racism or homophobia, the referee will be able to stop the match until the behaviour stops. If the behaviour is repeated, then the referee can stop the game for 10 minutes and ask the players or athletes to leave the pitch or playing area. If the behaviour persists, then the official can end the game.

The officials are then also required to alert the police to the behaviour, and address the fans over loudspeaker. If the discrimination occurs before the match, then the official has the power to suspend the match.

It should be noted that these are regulations largely in place or recommended by FIFA’s anti-discrimination protocol. However enshrining it in law protects officials and gives them more power to make these calls in Brazil at least. Earlier this year the first prison sentence for racism at a sports ground in Spain was handed out during a case involving Vinicius too.