Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Jr, has spoken out against La Liga, accusing the league of having a history of racism. This comes after Vinicius received a red card for slapping Hugo Duro during a match against Valencia, despite allegedly being subjected to racial slurs and being grabbed on the neck by Duro. The incident prompted Vinicius to point out the offending supporters to the referee, causing a temporary pause in the game. Throughout the season, Vinicius has been a target of racist abuse from the stands, and this latest incident further incensed him. In added time, he was sent off for violent conduct following an altercation with Duro, marking the first red card of his career. Soon after the match, Vinicius took to Instagram to express his frustration, claiming that racism is normalized in La Liga, with the league, the Federation, and even opponents allegedly encouraging it. He apologized to Spaniards who do not agree but stated that Spain is now known as a country of racists in Brazil. Vinicius vowed to continue his fight against racism, despite feeling unable to defend the situation that occurs on a weekly basis. La Liga president Javier Tebas responded to Vinicius' comments, urging him not to be manipulated into insulting the league. Tebas mentioned that they had tried to explain La Liga's actions against racism to Vinicius but that he had not shown up for the agreed meetings. Vinicius, in turn, accused Tebas of attacking him instead of addressing racism, emphasizing the need for actions and punishments rather than empty words. The situation has sparked a heated exchange between Vinicius and Tebas, with the player insisting on the importance of addressing racism in football.
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.”
