Kylian Mbappé sends message of support to Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior after racist abuse
PSG's Kylian Mbappe in action during the French League One soccer match between Auxerre and Paris Saint Germain, at the Abbe Deschamps stadium in Auxerre, central France, Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Thibault Camus]
PARIS (AP) — Kylian Mbappé has sent a message of support to fellow forward Vinícius Júnior after the Real Madrid player was subjected to racist abuse on Sunday. The latest abuse against Vinícius came in Madrid’s 1-0 loss at Valencia, a match that had to be temporarily stopped after the Brazil forward said he was insulted by a fan behind one of the goals at Mestalla Stadium. The 22-year-old Vinícius, who is is Black, has been subjected to racist abuse since moving to Spain five years ago. “You are not alone. We are with you and we support you,” Mbappé wrote on Instagram. Mbappé, who is also Black, was hit by racist and hateful comments on social networks following France’s loss to Argentina in the World Cup final last year.
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Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, centre confronts Valencia fans along with some of his team mates during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valencia and Real Madrid, at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia, Spain, Sunday, May 21, 2023. The game was temporarily stopped when Vinicius said a fan had insulted him from the stands. He was later sent off after clashing with Valencia players. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Alberto Saiz