Vinicius, Brazil Lash Out At La Liga Over Racism Abuse

Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Junior has spoken out against the racial abuse he endured during his team's 1-0 defeat against Valencia in LaLiga on Sunday.

The 22-year-old faced offensive insults from home supporters, prompting him to confront the situation by pointing directly at one of the perpetrators during the second half of the match.

Vinicius, who has been racially abused on multiple occasions in Spain, lashed out on social media after the match. 

Expressing his frustration, Vinicius took to Instagram to condemn the racist behaviour and criticize LaLiga as a whole.

He stated, "It was not the first time, not the second and not the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it's normal, the (Spanish) Federation also thinks it's normal and opponents encourage it."

He continued, "The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo), and (Leo) Messi, now belongs to racists.

"A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but one which has agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.

Vinicius Instagram Post

"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 every week, I have no way of defending it. I agree."

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Vinicius Jr. ⚡️?? (@vinijr)

Vinicius's Teammate and Coach -- Thibaut Courtois and Carlo Ancelotti Speak

The incident did not go unnoticed by Vinicius' teammates, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois attesting to hearing monkey chants at the beginning of the game.

Even the coach of Los Blancos, Carlo Ancelotti, acknowledged the presence of "a racist atmosphere" at Mestalla.

La Liga Reacts

LaLiga has taken the matter seriously and announced that they are conducting an investigation into the events that unfolded at Mestalla.

The league emphasized its commitment to combatting such behaviour and affirmed that appropriate legal action would be taken if the incident is determined to be a hate crime.

In a statement, LaLiga revealed, "They (LaLiga) have filed complaints (to relevant authorities) on nine occasions in the last two seasons.

"LaLiga has been fighting against this kind of behaviour for years and promoting the positive values of sport, not only on the pitch but also off it."

Brazil Speaks

The Brazilian football federation (CBF) President Ednaldo Rodrigues joined the chorus of condemnation, expressing his disappointment in the incident.

In an Instagram statement released by the CBF, Rodrigues questioned the persistence of racism in the 21st century, asking, "How long will humanity remain just a spectator and an accomplice in cruel acts of racism?"

He also extended a message of support to Vinicius, saying, "There is no joy where there is racism. You have all our affection and that of all Brazilians, Vinicius."