BLOG
La Liga is suffering from racism, isn’t it?
Aug
Due to racial abuse by Valencia fans towards Vinicius Jr., he got into a heated argument with the entire stadium in the 90′ minute on May 21.
When Vini Jr. got into a fight with the Valencia players after the argument with fans, Hugo Duro choked him. In an attempt to escape the chokehold, Vinicius started a push-around with the two teams. The Brazilian striker was the only one to be sent off. No one else was given a card.
Vinicius Jr. took to social media to vent about the refs’ performance and Valencia fans’ behavior following the game.
“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists. A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defense. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here,” said Vinicius Jr. via Twitter post.
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
During his post-match interview on Sunday, May 21, Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti had a lot to say about the game.
I spoke with him (Vinicius Jr.) during the game because the atmosphere was very hot, very bad. He asked me if he wanted to continue playing. I don’t think it’s a good thing that he thought I had to remove him due to the racist environment. … There have been similar incidents in the past, but not like today. The problem is not Vinicius’s fault. Vinicius is the victim.
Ancelotti then went on to state, “When he got the red card, the whole stadium chanted ‘monkey, monkey, monkey’… I’m very sad because this never happened to me before… I never thought I’d have to take a player out based on such insults…”
Several players and fans sided with Vinicius Jr. It even went so far that Brazil showed their support by turning off the lights at Christ the Redeemer’s statue.
During these times, Vinicius Jr. received support and affection.
“Black and imposing. Christ the Redeemer was just like that. An action of solidarity that moves me. But I want, above all, to inspire and bring more light to our struggle. I really appreciate all the support I’ve received in the last few months. Both in Brazil and around the world. I know exactly who’s who. Count on me because the good ones are the majority and I won’t give up.” Via a Twitter post.
Preto e imponente. O Cristo Redentor ficou assim há pouco. Uma ação de solidariedade que me emociona. Mas quero, sobretudo, inspirar e trazer mais luz à nossa luta.
Agradeço demais toda a corrente de carinho e apoio que recebi nos últimos meses. Tanto no Brasil quanto mundo… pic.twitter.com/zVBcD4eF8k
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) May 22, 2023