Valencia punishment for Vinicius racist abuse reduced

The Spanish side must close the south stand of their Mestalla stadium for three home matches instead of the five-game ban initially set by the Spanish football federation's Competition Committee on Wednesday.

The fine was also reduced from 45,000 euros to 27,000 euros ($29,000) by the federation's appeal committee.

Valencia hosts Espanyol on Sunday in La Liga in a vital match with both teams battling relegation, in which the stand will be closed.

Three Valencia fans were arrested after the 22-year-old Brazilian winger was abused last Sunday during Los Che's 1-0 win over Madrid.

Sports stars and other personalities across the globe have offered Vinicius their support in the days since, including many in his homeland Brazil.