In a show of support for football player Vinicius Jr. after the Brazil forward was subjected to racial abuse during a club match in Spain, the lights on Rio de Janeiro's iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, which has become a symbol to both the city and the entire country of Brazil, were turned off for an hour on Monday night.
The lights were turned off at 6 p.m. local time to cap a day when the Brazilian government and the world of football united to condemn the racial slurs aimed at the Real Madrid player during a Spanish league match on Sunday.
Also Read | Brazil Protests To Spain Over Racist Abuse Of Vinicius Jr.
Appreciating the move Vinicius Junior himself tweeted the images of Christ the Redeemer and wrote, "Black and imposing. Christ the Redeemer was just like that. An action of solidarity that moves me. But I want, above all, to inspire and bring more light to our struggle. I really appreciate all the affection and support I've received in the last few months. Both in Brazil and around the world. I know exactly who's who. Count on me because the good ones are the majority, and I won't give up. I have a purpose in life, and if I have to suffer more and more so that future generations don't go through similar situations, I'm ready and prepared."
Meanwhile, Brazil said on Monday it had formally protested to the Spanish ambassador and would lodge an official complaint with authorities in Madrid over the latest racist abuse directed at Brazilian footballer Vinicius Junior.
There has been an outpouring of condemnation in Vinicius' native Brazil since the Real Madrid star was targeted with racist abuse during a 1-0 loss at Valencia on Sunday.
The Brazilian government said Racial Equality Minister Anielle Franco would present an official complaint to Spanish authorities and La Liga.
Featured Video Of The Day
Book Explores Bharat Ratna Awardee Karpoori Thakur's Legacy
Rio's Christ The Redeemer Lit Up To Welcome Taylor Swift For Era's Tour Photographer's Shot Of Christ The Redeemer 'Holding' The Moon Goes Viral Lightning Strikes Brazil's Christ The Redeemer Statue, Pic Stuns Internet Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Recalled To Academy, Training Put On Hold "No Defamatory Remarks Against Governor": High Court To Mamata Banerjee BMW Motorrad India Opens Order Book For CE 04 Electric Scooter: Details Pan Am To Return To Skies For An Exclusive Flight Priced At Rs 54 Lakh Would Strongly Consider: Vivek Ramaswamy Eyes Trump Veep Pick's Senate Seat Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.