Three arrested following racist abuse of Vinicius Junior during La Liga match between Real Madrid and Valencia

Three people have been arrested in Spain in connection with racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

The game was halted for 10 minutes in the second half after Vinicius reported fans to the referee.

“Police have arrested today in Valencia three young people for the racist behaviour that occurred last Sunday in the Valencia-Real Madrid match,” read a statement from Spanish police.

“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga,” Vinicius wrote on social media.

“The competition thinks it’s normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry.

“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.

“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.

“Unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”

La Liga president Javier Tebas issued a response to Vinicius on social media, writing: “Since those who should explain to you what it is La Liga can and cannot do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself.”

La Liga released a statement on Tuesday, saying it has asked for more powers to punish incidents of racism.

“Despite its intense and continuous fight against violence and racism to the full extent of its powers (currently, according to Spanish legislation, limited to identifying and reporting the facts that occur),

“La Liga feels tremendous frustration at the lack of sanctions and convictions by the sports disciplinary bodies, public administrations and jurisdictional bodies to which it reports.”