Vinicius Junior said La Liga belongs to “racists” after suffering vile abuse during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat in Valencia on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Brazil winger took on home fans and pointed straight to one after racial slurs in the second half.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he heard monkey chanting at the start of the game, while Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti said there was “a racist atmosphere” at the Mestalla.
“It wasn’t the first time, it wasn’t the second and it wasn’t the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. “The competition considers it normal, the (Spanish) federation also considers it normal and the opponents encourage it,” wrote Vinicius on Instagram on Sunday.
“The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Leo) Messi now belongs to the racists.
“A beautiful nation that has welcomed me and that I love, but which has agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.”
“I’m sorry for the Spaniards who disagree, but today in Brazil Spain is considered a country of racists. Unfortunately, with everything that happens each week, I have no way of defending it. I agree.”
The Spanish top flight said it was proactive “in the face of all the racist incidents” surrounding Vinicius, who was sent off in Sunday’s game.
La Liga said they are investigating what happened at the Mestalla and will take appropriate legal action if a hate crime is uncovered.
“La Liga has lodged complaints (with the relevant authorities) on nine occasions in the last two seasons,” the top flight said in a statement.
“La Liga has fought against this behavior for years and promotes the positive values of the sport, not only on the pitch but also off it.”
The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, also criticized the incident.
“How long in the middle of the 21st century will we see episodes like the one we just saw again in La Liga?” he wrote in a statement released by CBF on Instagram.
“How long will mankind remain mere spectators and accomplices in cruel acts of racism?”
Rodrigues delivered a message of support for the Madrid forward.
“There is no joy where there is racism,” he added.
“You have all our affection and that of all Brazilians, Vinicius.”
(This story was not edited by News18 staff and is published via a syndicated news outlet feed – AFP).
2023-05-21 23:13:51
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