Club are seeking damages and corrections to a misinterpretation of chanting from their supporters
Valencia have launched legal action against Netflix over the portrayal of their supporters in a recent documentary about Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
The La Liga club confirmed they are suing the streaming platform and the documentary’s producers, accusing them of defamation and spreading falsehoods about racist abuse directed at the Brazilian during a league match at the Mestalla in May 2023.
In the documentary, subtitles suggest that a large section of Valencia fans were chanting “mono” (Spanish for “monkey”) at Vinicius. The club claim the crowd was actually shouting “tonto,” meaning silly.
Valencia said it had repeatedly asked the producers to edit the subtitles but received no response, prompting the lawsuit.
The club are suing for damages, corrections to the documentary, and the publication of the ruling once it is delivered.
The incident in question occurred last year when a supporter made monkey gestures towards Vinicius from the stands. The winger later broke down in tears while narrating the incident at a press conference.
Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach at the time, initially accused Valencia fans of racist abuse, before later clarifying that it had not come from the whole crowd.
Spanish courts have since convicted three Valencia fans of racist abuse towards Vinicius, handing down prison sentences.
Vinicius has not been directly involved in Valencia’s lawsuit. His representatives have made it clear the issue is between the club and the documentary makers.
