Vinicius Junior: 'Racism is normal in La Liga, it belongs to racists'
:focal(136x152:138x150)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2015/11/13/1731704-36632322-310-310.png)
Updated 22/05/2023 at 15:01 GMT
“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists,” wrote Vinicius Junior in a strongly-worded post on social media. Vinicius was sent off late on in Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia in La Liga on Sunday after again being subjected to racist abuse in the stands. He has repeatedly been targeted by racist abuse throughout the season.
Ancelotti blasts La Liga's 'racism problem' after Vinicius abuse from fans
Vinicius Junior has claimed “racism is normal in La Liga” and says the league “belongs to racists” after being subjected to racist abuse once again.
The Brazilian also hit out at Liga president Javier Tebas after he told Vinicius to “inform yourself properly”.
Vinicius was sent off during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Valencia on Sunday after being targeted by racist chants from the stands.
Earlier, the match was paused for 10 minutes in the second half as an incensed Vinicius pointed out at least one spectator he felt had racially abused him to the referee.
He was dismissed in injury time for violent conduct following a huge melee and an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro.
“It wasn't the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga,” Vinicius wrote on social media.
“The competition thinks it's normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I'm so sorry.
“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists.
“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I'm sorry for the Spaniards who don't agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.
“Unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
Vinicius responds to La Liga president
Although Vinicius has been repeatedly targeted by racist abuse this season, La Liga president Javier Tebas chose to call out the Real Madrid player rather than shame racism in the stands.
“Since those who should explain to you what it is La Liga can and cannot do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself,” Tebas wrote in response to Vinicius' post.
“Before criticising and insulting La Liga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly Vini Jr. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.”
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/05/22/3709966-75489248-2560-1440.jpg)
Vinícius Jr and several Real Madrid team-mates speak with the refereee in the Valencia-Real Madrid match
Image credit: Getty Images
However, Vinicius dismissed Tebas’ comments.
“Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of La Liga appears on social media to attack me,” he replied on Twitter.
“As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken. See the responses to your posts and have a surprise.
“Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I'm not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtag doesn't move me.”
In a statement, La Liga said it had been “proactive in the face of all racist incidents against Real Madrid CF player Vinicius Jr” and would “take the appropriate legal action” after an investigation if it identifies racism.
'There’s something wrong with this league' - Real boss Ancelotti
Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said he was not interested in discussing the defeat in the Mestalla, and when asked what he wanted to talk about, he said: “About what happened here. I think that’s more important. More important than a defeat, don’t you?
“I’m calm, but what happened today shouldn’t happen. For a stadium to shout “monkey” at a player and for a coach to think about taking him off for that... There’s something wrong with this league.”
Asked about Vinicius’ frame of mind, Ancelotti added: “He didn’t want to play on. I told him that I didn’t think it was fair, it wasn’t his fault, he wasn’t to blame. He continued playing, and he also got a senseless red card. That said, we have a problem.
“For me, Vinícius is one of the best in the world. These episodes of racism can’t happen, it was the whole stadium, not just one person, as on other occasions. It has to be stopped, and I would say the same if we won 3-0.”
Discussing the referee, Ancelotti said: “I told him he has to stop the match. He told me that the protocol says that you have to report it, but he has been insulted from the first minute.
“Stop the match. For me, it’s to stop the match. It’s clear that this can’t go on, it’s impossible. He is the player who receives the most fouls and the most insults.”
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/05/22/3710108-75492093-2560-1440.jpg)
'We must stand up to it' - Xavi calls for games to be postponed over racist abuse
Infantino issues statement on social media
FIFA president Gianni Infantino added his support for Vinicius in a post on Instagram.
"Full solidarity to Vinicius," he wrote. "There is no place for racism in football or in society and FIFA stands by all players who have found themselves in such a situation. Events during the match between Valencia and Real Madrid show that this needs to be the case.
"That is why the three-step process exists in FIFA competitions and it is recommended at all levels of football. Firstly, you stop the match, you announce it. Secondly, the players leave the pitch and the speaker announces that if the attacks continue, the match will be suspended.
"The match restarts, and then, thirdly, if the attacks continue, the match will stop and the three points will go to the opponent. These are the rules that should be implemented in all countries and in all leagues.
"Clearly, this is easier said than done, but we need to do it and we need to support it through education."
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement