Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Jr has called La Liga over its alleged racist antecedents after he was shown a red card for slapping Hugo Duro, despite being at the receiving end of racial slurs and being grabbed on the neck by the Valencia star. The match at Valencia’s Mestalla ground was paused on Sunday night after the half-time break as the 22-year-old pointed out the supporters who were taunting him to the referee.
Vinicius, who has been racially abused from the stands several times this season, was clearly incensed, prompting teammates and opposition players to try to calm him down. The Brazilian was later sent off for violent conduct in added time of his side’s 1-0 defeat following an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro, the first red card of his career. Shortly after the match was concluded, Vinicius referenced the previous instances of racist abuse and accused La Liga authorities of not doing enough. He wrote on Instagram;
“It wasn’t the first time, not the second and not the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it. I am so sorry. “The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi, today belongs to the racists. A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and I love, but which accepted to export the image to the world from a racist country. “Sorry for the Spaniards who do not agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately with everything that happens on a weekly basis, I have no way to defend. I agree. But I’m strong and will go to the end against the racists. Even though it’s far from here.” La Liga president Javier Tebas responded to Vinicius Jr’s comments by asking him not to be manipulated to insult La Liga. Tebas wrote; “Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what it can do @LaLiga in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself. Before criticizing and insulting @LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly @Vinijr. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.” Reacting to this, Vinicius accused Tebas of attacking him instead of criticizing racism. He wrote; “Once again, instead of criticizing racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me. 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… 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.”
