WATCH: Vinicius Jr. faces racial chants of ‘M*no M*no’ during Valencia clash as Real Madrid loses 1-0
David Craig
Updated on April 01, 2026
Valencia fans chanted racist chants against the Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. during Real Madrid’s match against Valencia today. Once again, the stands of Spanish stadiums were the scene of racist acts against Viní Jr. at the Mestalla Stadium, during the 35th round of the Spanish Championship.
Vini is a frequent target of racist attacks in Real Madrid matches. During the racial chants in today’s game, he took the referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea close to the fans to point out some of those responsible. But the game went on.
The Valencia fans celebrated their first goal in the match. During these celebrations, the fans started to sing “Mono, mono, mono”. Mono is the literal translation of ‘monkey‘ in Spanish.
Carlo Ancelotti was seen calling Vinicius close to the bench to talk. The Mestalla announcer then had to ask the stadium’s microphones for the racist insults to turn off, as the match was at risk of being interrupted. But minutes later, the game continued.
The mood for the game overall was quite heavy. In the final minutes, Yunus Musah trapped the ball to delay Real Madrid’s corner but tangled with Antonio Rudiger. Vinicius complained. In the confusion, Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili went for Vini Jr as he elbowed Hugo Duro. After VAR review, the referee sent off Vini Jr. He was seen ironically clapping his hands along with his other teammates, as they left the pitch.
Valencia fans are chanting “MONO” which in Portuguese means "monkey"
Rudiger and Militão are defending Vini from the racists in the stadium.
— Mikael Madridista (@MikaelMadridsta) May 21, 2023
Although this hasn’t been the first time that Vini Jr. faced racist slurs. All throughout the season, the Brazilian winger had to face these comments multiple numbers of times. His club and teammates have made multiple statements in which they have mentioned how disturbing and hurting these incidents have been. But till now no strong actions have been taken by the League. It is to be seen if this time La Liga takes any step toward securing players from racial abuses like this or if will they turn the other way for another time.
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Real Madrid will attempt to part ways with left-back Ferland Mendy this summer. Los Blancos are already eyeing reinforcements at the left-back position, according to reports.
The defending champions of UCL were not able to pass the semi-final of the competition this season. Manchester City thrashed them out of the competition with a 5-1 aggregate. Real Madrid also lost the chance of winning the La Liga title. FC Barcelona clinched the trophy last week. Real Madrid are currently in third place in the League table.
Los Blancos are therefore looking ahead to next season. Their planning for the summer transfer window is reportedly underway. The Spanish giants seem to be keen on signing another player in the left-back position. Although they already agreed to re-sign Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano for €5 million.
Real Madrid will need to offload 27-year-old Mendy before signing another left-back. But they have to convince the defender to leave this summer. It remains to be seen if the La Liga giants shall receive a suitable offer for the Frenchman.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Mendy is Co. Although he is in contract with Real Madrid until 2025. The Gunners could sign the left-back for €20 million. Kieran Tierney seems to be on his way out of Arsenal. The Santiago Bernabeu outfit signed Mendy from Olympique Lyon for €48 million in 2019.
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