Real Madrid take ultimate stand against racism under Alvaro Arbeloa

Madrid—Real Madrid Castilla head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has drawn a definitive line in the sand over racism in football, declaring that his side will abandon any fixture in which winger Vinícius Júnior is racially abused.

The pledge follows the Brazil international’s allegation that Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni directed racist language toward him during this week’s Champions League encounter. Although Vinícius opted to complete the match, the episode has ignited fresh demands for sterner deterrents across the sport.

Addressing reporters ahead of Saturday’s La Liga trip to Osasuna, Arbeloa said the decision to continue playing had rested solely with Vinícius, but stressed that any repeat would trigger an immediate walk-off.

“If Vinicius had chosen to stop, the entire team would have left the pitch with him,” the coach stated. “If it happens again, we will not play on—full stop.”

Arbeloa praised his squad’s composure amid the controversy, insisting that “no trophy or victory could make me prouder than the unity they showed in Lisbon.”

Real Madrid’s stance places the club at the forefront of the anti-racism movement within European football, raising the stakes for governing bodies to translate rhetoric into robust enforcement.

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