Racism in sport, again. Racism in society again. A loud minority, but still a reality. They exist and they continue to exist. It continues to happen. On Sunday evening, in the Carlos Tartiere, at least two fans Monkey Chants directed at Mbappé and Vinicius. They came from different corners of the stands. A stain about what else was exemplary support. A stain that, although not representative, cannot be ignored. Because it happened. Because it continues to happen.
The cameras from El Día Después have recorded it all. It happened at least twice. The first during the 0–1 celebration, when Mbappé slid on his knees and a shameful sound went out of the crowd. The same sound returned in the 63rd minute, when Vinicius came up. They were very little – very little – under 29,758 who created a brilliant atmosphere in Oviedo. But they were there.
The songs never really disappear; And while they are punished, they come up again. Not long ago, five Valladolid fans accepted a one-year prison sentence for mentioning Vinicius a 'damn black man'. At least three supporters from Madrid were arrested for racially abused Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Things are piling up: from the insults in Mestalla to those in the Metropolitano. Or Iñaki Williams in Cornellà-el prat.
It is a scourge that refuses to end. The last episode arrived in the Carlos Tartiere on Sunday evening. At least two fans made monkey in the direction of Mbappé and Vinicius. Laliga, consistent in his attitude against racism, already assesses the matter and weighs action. The perpetrators must be identified, investigated and prosecuted. Hate is a crime. And it must be punished.