by Kyle Sharkie

Football fans were shocked last night to witness yet another alleged racist incident during Real Madrid’s one nil victory over Benfica in the Champions League. 

Vinicius scored the only goal of the game in the fiftieth minute by cutting into the box from the left-hand side and scored a stunning goal with his right foot, blazing it into the far corner. He was booked following his celebration however a scuffle ensued as he appeared to accuse Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni of making a remark towards him. This led to a ten-minute period where Vinicius refused to leave the dugout until he was convinced by his manager Areola in minute sixty.  

The incident has sparked fresh controversy around issues of alleged racist on field remarks. This time there is a cultural sporting inversion. Historically some football fans often associate Real Madrid with fascist culture. 

Real have historic links in fascist roots with the favouritism they received under Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. But last night’s incident reversed the stereotype with the Madrid star being the alleged victim of racist abuse.  

This is furthered by their former president and player Santiago Bernabeu (yes, their stadium is named after him) who was a nationalist solider. During the fifties and sixties they were coined “the team of regime” and their dominance in Spain and Europe during this period was used as power for Franco’s regime.  

Academics on the topic of racism in football such as Kassimeris, Lawrence, and Pipini (2022) agree that over the years racism has changed shape, form, and size. Last night’s alleged situation was a clear example of this with the narrative switching from nationalist fascism from Real Madrid’s past to the present tense reality of a Madrid player being the alleged victim of racism.