“Vinicius Jr. speaks out against racism in LaLiga after being sent off for punching Valencia player”

Vinicius Jr says LaLiga is “the league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, now belongs to racists.”

The Real Madrid forward made those claims after a game where he was sent off by the referee after a VAR check in added time for punching Valencia’s Hugo Duro in the face.

A scuffle broke out in the Valencia penalty area after Yunus Mussa failed to return the ball to Real Madrid’s side, who were hoping for an equaliser.

Vinicius Jr was in the middle of the action and sent Duro down, but replays show the Valencia forward had his arm around his opponent’s neck moments before.

After being shown the red card, Vinicius Jr. sarcastically applauded the decision and motioned to the referee that he was being grabbed around the neck.

The 22-year-old had to be physically restrained by Los Blancos team-mates as he was booed as he walked away.

Just before leaving the field, Vinicius Jr. could be seen holding up his fingers to indicate that Valencia were headed to LaLiga2.

The incident came minutes after Vinicius Jr. was attacked by sections of the crowd at the Estadio Mestalla. The player physically grabbed the referee and pointed at the fans who berated him.

It’s not clear what the player was told, but Vinicius Jr says he was racially abused.

He has been the victim of racial slurs on multiple occasions this season and throughout his career and said in a powerful statement after the game that racism is “normal” in Spain’s top flight.

He tweeted after the game: “It wasn’t the first time, it wasn’t the second time, it wasn’t the third time. Racism is normal in LaLiga. In football, they think it’s normal, as does the association – and the opponent encourages it.

“I’m so sad. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] And [Lionel] Messi belongs to racism today.

“A beautiful nation that has welcomed me and I love, but 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. And unfortunately I have no defense against something that happens every week. I let it happen

“But I am strong and I will fight against racists to the end. Even if it is far from here.”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti added on Twitter: “Today was a sad day at the Mestalla with a group of fans showing their worst version.” It’s time to stop talking and act boldly. Racism must have no place in football and in society. NO to RACISM EVERYWHERE.”

Meanwhile, Valencia issued a statement confirming that an investigation into the attack on Vinicius Jr. had been launched.

“Valencia CF would like to publicly condemn any form of insult, attack or disqualification in football,” the statement said.

“The club, in its commitment to the values ​​of respect and sport, publicly reaffirms its position against physical and verbal violence in stadiums and regrets the events that took place during the LaLiga match on matchday 35 against Real Madrid.”

“Although this is an isolated case, insulting a player from the opposing team has no place in football and does not fit with the values ​​and identity of Valencia CF.

“The club is investigating the incident and will take the strictest measures. Likewise, Valencia CF condemns any crime and asks our fans for the utmost respect.

“Apart from these isolated incidents, Valencia CF would like to thank the more than 46,000 fans for their help and support for the team at this Sunday 21st May game.”

Ancelotti’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat meaning they are now third in LaLiga behind champions Barcelona and local rivals Atlético Madrid.