Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior has launched a campaign to fight racism under the slogan “Racism, don’t pretend you don’t see it”, distributing billboards across the country.
Another heavy blow to Real (Madrid) – Vinicius with a serious injury
The Brazilian will be out for at least two and a half months
The Real Madrid footballer, who is regularly subjected to racist abuse during matches in Spain’s La Liga, was awarded the Socrates prize last month for setting up a foundation that builds schools in impoverished areas in Brazil and invests in education.
Along with the campaign, Vinicius has also launched, through his foundation, an Anti-Racism Teaching Manual, which aims to help schools create a more inclusive educational environment and avoid stereotypes that promote prejudice.
The 23-year-old, who will head FIFA’s special anti-racism commission, has advocated tougher penalties for discriminatory behavior in football, prompting authorities in Rio de Janeiro to name a law after him that would see the suspension or cancellation of sporting events because of racist behavior.
Vinicius Junior is receiving treatment in Spain for the injury he picked up in Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Colombia in last week’s World Cup qualifier, which will see him miss tonight’s match against Argentina.
