Brazil reacts to La Liga treatment of Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid star, Vinicius Junior has engaged in a heated exchange with La Liga president Javier Tebas after being subjected to yet another incident of racist abuse during the club’s match against Valencia.

The Brazilian forward confronted some of the offenders at the Mestalla, leading to a temporary suspension of the game. Frustrated by the recurring incidents and the lack of action from La Liga, Vinicius expressed his disappointment, while Tebas attempted to shift the blame back onto the player.

Vinicius junior criticized La Liga, stating that a championship once adorned by legends like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi now belongs to racists.

In response, Tebas accused Vinicius of failing to show up for scheduled discussions on racism, urging him to gather proper information before criticizing the league.

The Real Madrid winger swiftly fired back at Tebas on Twitter, expressing his discontent with the president’s attempt to deflect the issue.

“No matter how much you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your league is shaken. Look at the responses to his posts and be in for a surprise…

“Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I am not your friend to talk to about racism. I want action and punishment. Hashtag does not move me.”

Vinicius emphasized the need for action and punishment against racism, stating that Tebas’ omission makes him no different from racists. He called for genuine efforts to combat racism instead of empty words and hashtags.

While feeling let down by La Liga, Vinicius has found support from his club teammates and his home country.

Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva denounced the ongoing abuse suffered by Vinicius, while his former club Flamengo expressed shock at the lack of action taken to address racism in the Spanish league.

Vinicius’ former club, Flamengo, wrote:

“it is even more shocking to know that it is not the first time and that so little has been done to fight (racism in the Spanish league) and stop it from happening again.”

Numerous Brazilian teams have also voiced their solidarity, with national team star Richarlison affirming his support for Vinicius junior and highlighting the resilience of those born to achieve greatness.

Richarlison stated:

“They always did whatever they could to stop blacks from coming near the top.

“They enslaved, marginalised and killed. But they will never knock down those who were born to be big. History forgets the rats and makes those fighting these bad people much bigger. I am with you always, Vini.”

In response to the abhorrent events, Real Madrid released a statement condemning the racist abuse and confirmed that they have lodged a complaint with Spain’s Prosecutor’s Office.

The club considers the incidents to be a direct attack on the principles of coexistence within a democratic society under the rule of law. Real Madrid views the acts as hate crimes and has taken legal action to ensure a thorough investigation and the identification of those responsible.

Valencia CF, on the other hand, distanced themselves from the disgraceful acts, revealing that the police have identified a fan involved in making racist gestures towards Vinicius.

The club expressed its commitment to combating racism and violence, vowing to apply severe penalties, including a lifetime stadium ban, against the individuals involved.

Valencia CF is working closely with the authorities to identify any additional offenders and emphasized that such behavior has no place in football or society.

The incident involving Vinicius junior highlights the urgent need for collective action against racism in football.

While the player continues to face discriminatory taunts, his determination to combat racism and the support he receives from his club, fellow players, and the Brazilian community serve as a reminder that unity and firm measures are essential to eradicate this blight from the beautiful game.