Vinicius Junior has expressed his strong condemnation of racism in LaLiga following the vile abuse he endured during Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat against Valencia. The 22-year-old Brazilian winger bravely confronted the home supporters and singled out an individual after being subjected to racist insults during the second half of the match.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois confirmed that he heard monkey chants directed at Vinicius at the beginning of the game, while coach Carlo Ancelotti described the atmosphere at Mestalla as "racist." This incident highlights the urgent need for action against racism in football.
“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,” Vinicius wrote on Instagram on Sunday.
“The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Leo) Messi, now belongs to racists.
Did you read this?
“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.
“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.”
The Spanish top flight said they have been “proactive in the face of all racist incidents” involving Vinicius who was sent off in Sunday’s game.
LaLiga said they were investigating what happened at Mestalla and will take the appropriate legal action if a hate crime is detected.
“LaLiga has filed complaints (to relevant authorities) on nine occasions in the last two seasons,” said the top flight in a statement.
“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.”
The Brazilian football federation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues also criticised the incident.
“How long are we going to experience, in the middle of the 21st century, episodes like the one we just witnessed, once again, in LaLiga?” he wrote in a statement released by the CBF on Instagram.
“How long will humanity remain just a spectator and an accomplice in cruel acts of racism?”
Rodrigues offered the Madrid forward a message of support.
“There is no joy where there is racism,” he added.
“You have all our affection and that of all Brazilians, Vinicius.”
