La Liga has started an inquiry after a child was recorded making a racist remark directed at Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Valencia.
Real Madrid managed to come back from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw against Valencia at Mestalla Stadium. Vinicius scored two goals in this intense clash on Saturday.
England sensation Jude Bellingham appeared to have secured a win for the visiting team with a late goal, but it was disallowed as the referee had already ended the match.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder was red-carded for protesting after his goal was not allowed, expressing his frustration towards the official. He allegedly shouted at the referee in anger, claiming, ‘It’s a f***ing goal, the ball is in the air! What the f*** is that?!’.
This match marked Vinicius' first return to Mestalla since last May when he faced severe racial abuse, which was reported as the tenth instance of such abuse against him in the last season.
This weekend, a video reportedly surfaced showing a young child calling Vinicius a ‘monkey’ during the match, and La Liga is now investigating this incident after the police were called at the match.
According to reports, the person who recorded the incident confirmed that the police were notified during the match, and La Liga has initiated an investigation based on the video evidence.
Last season, Valencia banned four fans for life due to their involvement in the racial abuse towards Vinicius, and the Brazilian testified about these incidents in court in October.
Vinicius expressed his frustration on social media after experiencing abuse during Madrid’s 1-0 loss at Valencia last summer, saying, ‘Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too, and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry.’.
He added: ‘The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists.
He continued, ‘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.
‘Unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.’.
La Liga president Tebas criticized Vinicius instead of condemning the racism the player faced at Valencia last season. (Picture: Getty)
‘Before criticizing and insulting La Liga, it's important to educate yourself thoroughly Vini Jr. Don't allow yourself to be influenced and make sure you understand each other's abilities and the work we have been doing together.’
Vinicius has been direct in his criticism of Tebas and strongly criticized the La Liga chief for ‘omitting yourself’ and failing to address incidents of racism in Spain’s top league.
‘Once again, instead of criticizing racists, the president of La Liga appears on social media to attack me,’ Vinicius responded.
‘No matter how much you speak and act like you're not reading, the reputation of your championship is affected. Look at the responses to your posts and be surprised.
‘Ignoring the issue only puts you on the same level as racists. I'm not your friend to discuss racism. I want actions and penalties. Hashtags don't persuade me.’
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