After racial chants targeted at him in Valencia on Sunday night, Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. claimed that racism is “normal” in the Spanish La Liga.
The Real Madrid winger has slammed La Liga president Javier Tebas for making a social media statement that appeared to attack him rather than condemn the racist abuse he received during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia.
Vinicius was the target of racist chanting and abuse last night in Valencia, and he even tried to bring it to the referee’s attention during the game, threatening to stop playing.
However, as the game progressed and his temper frayed, the Brazilian was eventually sent off in stoppage time for a brawl with Valencia forward Hugo Duro.
Later, the 22-year-old took to social media to condemn La Liga’s continued lack of action over racism.
“Racism is normal in La Liga,” he tweeted. “The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo], and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.
He added: “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. And 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 Jr and La Liga president exchange words
In response to the Brazilians’ complaint, the La Liga president responded directly to the post, claiming that the Real Madrid winger has not cooperated with La Liga in the fight against 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,” the president said.
“Before criticising and insulting La Liga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly, Vinicius Junior. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together,” Tebas stated.
Vinicius retaliated in kind, criticizing Tebas’ approach to the situation.
“Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of La Liga appears on social media to attack me,” the player commented.
“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. Hashtags don’t move me.”
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Meanwhile, Ancelotti said that the game should have been stopped and he wasn’t interested in talking about football.
“What we saw today is unacceptable. An entire stadium chanting racist slurs. I don’t want to talk about Football today, “Ancelotti told the press. “There is no meaning in talking about Football today. I told the referee he should have stopped the match.”
The Italian added: ” La Liga has a problem. For me, Vinicius is the most important player in the world. La Liga has a problem, these episodes of racism have to stop the match.”
