“Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio turned off in solidarity with Vinícius Júnior against racism in football”

The archdiocesan shrine, which manages the world-famous statue, had the lights turned off at 6:00 p.m. local time in agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation and an organization dedicated to racial discrimination in football. “The lighting of the monument will be turned off as a symbol of the collective fight against racism and as a sign of solidarity with Vinícius Júnior and all those who face prejudice around the world,” said representatives of the archdiocesan shrine on Instagram.

In Sunday’s game in Valencia, Vinícius became the target of racist insults for the umpteenth time this season, and on Twitter on Monday he called the Spanish league and the entire country racist. The 22-year-old attacker was supported by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Paris St. Germain Kylian Mbappé, head of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales or Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

In response, the Brazilian government called on the Spanish authorities to punish the perpetrators of the attacks against the footballer. Vinícius appreciated the extinguishing of the statue in Rio and thanked for the support. “I was moved by this act of solidarity. But above all, I want to inspire others and draw even more attention to our struggle,” he wrote on Twitter.