Vinicius Jr says racism is ‘normal’ in La Liga after crowd chants during Real Madrid’s league game at Valencia | Soccer News

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Vinicius Jr suffered racist abuse in Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia on Sunday; it’s not the first time the 22-year-old has been mistreated this season; Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has called for action. Valencia apologized in a statement

11:34 p.m., UK, Sunday 21 May 2023

Vinicius Jr says racism is normal in La Liga and that “the championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi now belongs to the racists after being subjected to racist chanting again on Sunday.

The Brazil international was the target of chants from sections of the crowd at the Mestalla stadium during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia.

The game was stopped in the second half for 10 minutes as the visibly angry 22-year-old grabbed the referee and pointed fingers at fans who he believed had abused him.

Vinicius Jr was subsequently sent off for violent conduct in injury time following an altercation with striker Hugo Duro.

He tweeted after the match: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. In football they think it’s normal, the federation too – and l “opponent encourages him. I’m so sad. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi now belongs to racism.

“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which accepted to export the image of a racist country in the world. I am sorry for the Spaniards who do not agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for something that happens every week, I have no defense. I let it be. But I am strong and I will go until the end against the racists. Even if it is far from here.”

LaLiga will request all available footage in order to investigate what happened in light of the incident. “If a hate crime is identified, we will take appropriate legal action,” the league said in a statement.

The Spanish league have already filed complaints of racist chanting or slurs against Vinicius Jr, the latest of which was a claim in a court in Mallorca after fans were filmed racially abusing the striker.

Spanish police are also investigating a possible hate crime against Vinicius Jr after a model wearing his number 20 jersey was hung from a bridge outside Real Madrid’s training ground in January.

Ancelotti: The game should have been stopped

Speaking after the match, Vinicius Jr’s manager Carlo Ancelotti said the abuse aimed at his player was unacceptable and told the referee the match should have been stopped.

“What we saw today is unacceptable. An entire stadium chanting racist slurs,” the Real Madrid boss said.

“I don’t want to talk about football today, it makes no sense to talk about football today. I told the referee he should have stopped the game.

“LaLiga has a problem. For me, Vinicius is the most important player in the world. LaLiga has a problem, these episodes of racism have to stop the game.

“It’s the whole stadium insulting a player with racist chants and the game has to stop. I would say the same if we won 3-0, there’s no other way.”

Ancelotti then added on Twitter: “Today was a sad day in Mestalla, where a group of fans showed their worst version. It’s time to stop talking and act with force. Racism cannot have a place in football or in society. NO TO RACISM ANYWHERE.”

Valencia director awaits apology from Ancelotti

Responding to statements made by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti after the game between the two sides, Valencia’s chief executive and spokesperson Javier Solís said: “In light of the unfortunate and completely incorrect statements made by Mr. Ancelotti, in which he called all Mestalla supporters racist, the club cannot tolerate this.

“We dismiss these complaints head-on. Perhaps it was the result of a language error, and he must have understood another word as being said.

“The club condemns any kind of racist insults and tries to identify those who have made any gesture or action, but to label all Valencia CF supporters as racists is nonsense and the club cannot stand silent.

“We understand that when Ancelotti realizes the mistake he has made and the very serious statements he has made, he should apologize, in the same way that the coach and I condemn any racist insult . In the same way, when he realizes the mistake he made, he should apologize.”

Valencia earlier issued a statement on their club’s website condemning what happened and confirming they will investigate.

“Valencia CF wishes to publicly condemn insults and attacks of all kinds in football.

“The club is firmly committed to the values ​​of respect and sportsmanship and reiterates its position against physical and verbal violence in stadiums. As such, we are saddened by the events that took place during the match of the 35th day of La Liga against Real Madrid.

“Although this is an isolated episode, insults towards an opposing player have no place in football and do not correspond to the values ​​and identity of Valencia CF. The club is investigating what happened and will take the most severe measures against the perpetrators. Valencia CF also condemn any infringement and ask the utmost respect for our fans.

“While strongly denouncing these isolated incidents, Valencia CF would like to thank the more than 46,000 fans present for their support of the team.”

Lewis: Spanish football is in crisis Speaking on Sky Sports News, Daily Mirror’s Darren Lewis says European football and Spanish football in particular have a big problem after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior suffered racist abuse from opposing Valencia supporters.

Darren Lewis: “It’s fine for clubs to come out, like Valencia did, and apologize after the event, but the fact is that no action is being taken, not just to protect someone ‘one of the caliber of a Vinicius Jr, but also black players in general and that’s why Vinicius Jr says Spain is seen as a country of racists.

“Sport is not a forum where young men can be racially abused based on the color of their skin. If they are in a situation like this, the only way for them to retain their power is to leave the playing field because when Black players leave the playing field, the game will start listening. Black men are not going to work in 2023 to be victims of racist abuse.

“Spanish football is in crisis because it cannot handle this and banal apologies after a situation like this are not enough.”

Ferdinand: Why don’t the authorities help Vini Jnr?

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand took to Instagram to support Vinicius and questioned player protection.

“Bro you need protection… who is protecting Vinicius Junior in Spain??” Ferdinand posted.

“He receives a red card after being choked and racially abused during the game.

“How many times do we need to see this young man subjected to this shit?? I see pain, I see disgust, I see him needing help…and the authorities aren’t doing anything to help him .

“People need to stick together and demand more from the authorities who run our game.

“Nobody deserves this, but you allow it. There needs to be a unified approach on this or it will be swept under the rug again.”

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