Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticized racist chants directed at teammate Vinicius Junior by Albacete fans near their stadium ahead of Wednesday’s Copa del Rey last-16 match.
The Belgian goalkeeper, who was not involved in Madrid’s cup match against the second division, shared a video of a group of fans who appeared to be chanting racist insults at Vinicius on Instagram and wrote: “Enough racism, this is disgusting.”
Brazilian winger Vinicius, 25, has been the target of racist abuse from opposition fans several times during his time in Spain.
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Four Atletico Madrid ultras were given suspended prison sentences in June last year for hanging a Vinicius doll from a bridge, which police deemed a ‘hate crime’, among several other court convictions.
Vinicius started the match against Albacete, new Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s first game at the helm after replacing Xabi Alonso on Monday.
Published on January 15, 2026
