(Football news) Spanish FA appeals committee has reduced Valencia’s fine and partial stadium closure, which has been reduced from five matches to three while their initial fine of €45,000 (£39,000) has been reduced by €18,000. Real Madrid’s match against Valencia was marred by controversy after Vinicius Jr threatened to leave the pitch after suffering racist abuse which was subsequently filed as a “hate crime” with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office.

Valencia had 10 working days to file an appeal while LaLiga players and officials called for racism to be tackled after the events of Sunday’s game. Tuesday’s game between Real Valladolid and Barcelona as well as Celta Vigo and Girona saw players from both sides as well as match officials standing behind banners which read “Racism, out of football”. Vinicius Jr received a red card against Valencia and was set to serve a two or three game ban but Spain’s competition committee has rescinded the red card. 

LaLiga has asked the Spanish government for greater jurisdiction to punish clubs whose fans are guilty of racist abuse and have expressed a feeling of being “powerless” due to the current sanctions. As per Spain’s law, the LaLiga can only identify and report incidents but punishments are rarely handed out. Four arrests were made on Tuesday under the suspicion of hanging an effigy of Vinicius Jr off a bridge in January. An inflatable doll dressed in Vinicius’ shirt was hung from the railing with a banner that read ‘Madrid hates Real Madrid’. 

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