Issued by:
Football and beyond rallied around Vinicius Junior on Monday, demanding action against racism, after the Real Madrid star was again abused in Spain’s La Liga.
The 22-year-old Brazilian international forward was targeted during Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Valencia and was later sent off.
Vinicius has issued a strongly-worded statement after saying La Liga is “the domain of racists” and many former and current Brazilian players have offered their support.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the abuse, telling a news conference at the end of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan: “He was attacked. He was called a ‘monkey’.”
Vinicius is regularly targeted in La Liga and the latest incident happened at Valencia’s Mestalla when he was abused by a home supporter.
Vinicius stood in front of the fans behind the goal and pointed out the obvious reason. The game was delayed for several minutes in the second half.
Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke to stadium officials, who made an announcement calling for an end to racist insults before resuming play about 10 minutes later.
In his post-match report, the referee wrote that a fan shouted “monkey, monkey” at the player.
Vinicius was sent off in extra time at the end of the game for a tackle on Hugo Duro during a fight, with Valencia winning through a Diego Lopez goal in the first half.
Vinicius left the pitch making a gesture with his hands indicating that Valencia were heading to Spain’s second division.
Stop the game, Ancelotti said
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Spanish football must be ready to stop the matches.
“The Spanish league has a problem, and Vinicius is not the problem. Vinicius is the victim. There is a serious problem,” said Ancelotti.
“The fact that I thought to take him because of the racist atmosphere seems bad to me,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“What’s happening now has happened before, but not like that, it’s not acceptable.”
Vinicius has been racially abused in several stadiums this season in Spain and an effigy of him has been hung on a bridge in the Spanish capital by Atletico Madrid fans.
La Liga has filed legal complaints with Spanish authorities on several occasions this season, with the league promising on Sunday to do so again after an investigation.
However, Ancelotti said it would not help.
“What happened? Reports, and nothing at all from it. The solution is to stop the game,” said the Italian veteran.
Writing on Instagram, Vinicius said that Spain is seen as “a country of racists” in his homeland.
“The prize for the racists now is that they fired me. It’s not football, it’s La Liga,” he said.
“The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Messi now belongs to racists,” added Vinicius.
La Liga said in a statement that they are investigating the incident and will take legal action if a hate crime has been committed.
The Spanish top flight said they were “proactive” in previous cases of racism against Vinicius, filing nine complaints with the relevant authorities and prosecutors.
‘Love and support’
Vinicius received widespread support.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he heard “monkey noises” after about 20 minutes of the game and said he would walk out with Vinicius if the Brazilian chose to stop playing.
“If Vini wants to keep playing, we’ll keep playing, but if Vini says he’s not going to play, I’ll leave him on the pitch because we can’t tolerate these things,” Courtois told Movistar.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand said Vinicius needed more protection from Spain’s football authorities.
“I see the pain, I see the anger, I see that he needs help,” she wrote on Instagram.
There is anger among many in Brazil.
President Lula called on FIFA and the Spanish league to take “serious measures”.
“It’s not fair that a poor kid who is doing so well in life, could be on his way to being the best in the world. — he is the best in Real Madrid —insulted in every stadium where he played,” he said in Japan.
On Twitter, Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues said: “Vini Jr., you have our love and support, and that of all Brazilians.”
Fellow Brazilian international Richarlison, retired legend Ronaldo and music icon Gilberto Gil were among those who condemned the racist treatment he received in Spain.
“Another episode of racism in La Liga. And once again Vini Jr. is the victim. How long will this last?” the 46-year-old Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
“As long as there is impunity and complicity… That’s enough.”
(AFP)
