Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior said on Sunday that Valencia supporters racially abused him during their La Liga match at Estadio de Mestalla.
Racist chants from the home crowd targeted the Brazilian international, 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 22-year-old was eventually sent off in stoppage time for a brawl with Valencia forward Hugo Duro.
READ MORE: Vinicius Jr slams La Liga over racism
After the match, he took to social media to condemn La Liga’s continued lack of action over racism.
“It’s a shame that these things happen in 2023”- Xavi
Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has backed Vinicius and condemned racists, calling for decisive actions to end racism.
Xavi has proposed that games should be suspended if there is any abuse from the fans.
“It’s a shame that these things happen in 2023, it’s unacceptable, ” the Barcelona manager said during a press conference. “It’s not about club badges or colours, it’s about people and we have to condemn any act of racism like the one that happened at Mestalla with Vinicius.”
“I think the games have to be stopped. I’m working and it’s normal that people criticize you in the world of Football, but not that they insult you. It’s time to end this once and for all.”
He added: ” If there is an insult, we don’t play. I don’t have to tolerate all kinds of insults in my working hours. I have always thought that and now that I’m a Barca coach I can say it again.”
The Barcelona manager further suggested that Education is a key tool that should be used to curb racism and various insults in Football
“We have to educate people, so that they don’t go to Football to insult the referee, for example. It doesn’t happen in other sports,” he said
Meanwhile, Real Madrid has filed a hate crime complaint over the racist abuse suffered by Vinicius.
The club also released a statement supporting the player and rejecting any form of discrimination.
Various world leaders and Sports personalities including the Brazilian government have continued sending solidarity messages to the Real Madrid player and demanded an end to racism.
Last night, the lights on the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil were switched off in solidarity with Vinicius Jr.
