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Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior stated that La Liga now “belongs to the racists” after he was subjected to a new wave of racist abuse in Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday at the Mestalla.
The referee suspended the game after Vinicius alerted him to the supporters who were taunting him with “monkey” chants. The Brazil international was visibly close to tears and overtly enraged on the field, with teammates attempting to calm him down.
In added time of his team’s 1-0 loss, Vinicius was sent off for violent conduct after an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro – the first red card of his career. Vinicius threw a punch at his opponent, who had him in a headlock but was not penalized after a VAR review.
The 22-year-old posted a story on Instagram after the game in which he railed against the abuse he endured in recent times.
“The racists have won their prize – I was sent-off.” He then used the Spanish top flight’s promotional slogan against it, stating “No es fútbol, es La Liga” (It is not football, it is La Liga).
Vinicius Jr: ‘Racism Is Normal In La Liga’
The Brazilian then went further, releasing an emotional tweet on Sunday evening.
“It was not the first time, not the second time, not the third. Racism is normal in La Liga,” he explained.
“The competition thinks it’s normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it,” he said, “I am so sorry.”
Vinicius said the Spanish top-flight, that once “belonged” to star players like Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, now “belongs to the racists.”
“And unfortunately, with everything that happens on a weekly basis, I have no way to defend,” he stated, “I agree.”
Não foi a primeira vez, nem a segunda e nem a terceira. O racismo é o normal na La Liga. A competição acha normal, a Federação também e os adversários incentivam. Lamento muito. O campeonato que já foi de Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano e Messi hoje é dos racistas. Uma nação…
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) May 21, 2023
President Lula da Silva of Brazil condemned the discriminatory chants directed at Vinicius at the G7 summit in Japan. He demanded that La Liga and FIFA “take measures to prevent the rise of xenophobia and fascism.”
The Brazilian president also noted that Vinicius is “insulted in every stadium he visits.”
Sunday’s match was the eleventh Real Madrid away game this season in which the league had to report racist chants against the forward to the local courts.
Vinicius Hits Back At La Liga President’s Response
However, La Liga president Javier Tebas gave an impassioned defense of the league’s anti-racism stance and urged Vinicius to take heed of the league’s efforts.
“We have tried to explain to you what La Liga is and what it can do in cases of racism, but you have not shown up to either of the two agreed dates that you yourself requested,” Tebas explained.
“Before criticising and insulting La Liga, you need to inform yourself properly Vinicius,” he continued.
“Don’t let yourself be manipulated and make sure you understand the work we have been doing together.”
The Brazilian winger hit back at Tebas’ comments with another tweet of his own.
“Once again, instead of criticizing racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me,” the Brazilian said.
“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…” he added.
“Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtag doesn’t move me.”
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