‘La Liga belongs to racists’ Vinicius reacts to ‘entire stadium’ chanting racist slurs
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has spoken out against racism in the Spanish football league La Liga after the Madrid forward was subjected to racist chants during a match against Valencia. The 22-year-old Brazilian player was sent off in the 97th minute for violent conduct following an altercation with Hugo Duro. Throughout the game, Vinicius attempted to draw the referee’s attention to the behaviour of Valencia fans.
The footballer took to Instagram to say, “The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano, and Messi today belongs to racists. Racism is normal in La Liga.” He criticised the league, the federation, and the opponents for normalising and encouraging racism, which he says has tarnished the image of Spain.
Valencia has identified two fans responsible for racially abusing Vinicius and they are expected to receive permanent stadium bans. La Liga has pledged to investigate the incident and take appropriate legal action if it qualifies as a hate crime, urging people to share any footage they have.
Vinicius has been the subject of racist abuse several times this season.
‘Entire stadium chanting racist slurs’
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “What we saw today is unacceptable – an entire stadium chanting racist slurs.
“I don’t want to talk about football today. There is no meaning in talking about football today. I told the referee he should have stopped the match.
“La Liga has a problem. For me Vinicius is the most important player in the world. These episodes of racism have to stop the match.
“It’s the entire stadium that is insulting a player with racist chants and the match has to stop. I would say the same if we were winning 3-0. There is no other way.”
