La Liga have started an investigation after a child was caught on film apparently making a racist comment towards Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Valencia.
Real Madrid, who are currently leading the league in Spain, came back from being two goals down to get a draw at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium, and Vinicius scored twice during the tense match on Saturday.
England sensation Jude Bellingham seemed to have secured a win for the visitors at the last moment, but the goal was disallowed because the referee had already ended the game with a whistle.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder was angry about not being given a last-minute winning goal and received a red card for apparently shouting at the referee: 'It’s a f***ing goal, the ball is in the air! What the f*** is that!'. The match marked Vinicius' first return to the Mestalla since last May, when the Brazilian player faced terrible racial abuse – the tenth reported incident against him last season.
And it seems history has repeated itself this weekend, with a video from ESPN Brazil allegedly showing a young child calling Vinicius a 'monkey' during Saturday’s match.
According to reports, the person who recorded the incident confirmed that police were called during the match, and La Liga have launched an investigation into the footage.
Valencia banned four supporters for life due to the abuse Vinicius suffered last season, and the player spoke about the incidents in court in October.
Valencia banned four fans for life for their role in the abuse Vinicius endured last season, and the player testified about the incidents in court in October.
‘It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga,’ Vinicius wrote on social media after the abuse he endured in Madrid’s 1-0 loss at Valencia last summer.
‘The competition thinks it’s normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry.’
He also added: ‘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.
‘Regrettably, 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.’
Remarkably, La Liga president Javier Tebas chose to criticize Vinicius rather than condemn the racism that the Madrid player had experienced at Valencia.
‘Since those who should explain to you what it is La Liga can and cannot do 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,’ Tebas responded to Vinicius’ post.
‘Before criticizing and insulting La Liga, it is important to make sure you are well-informed Vini Jr. Don't allow yourself to be influenced and ensure that you fully understand each other's abilities and the work we have been doing together.’
Vinicius has been vocal in his critique of Tebas and strongly criticized the La Liga leader for ‘excluding yourself’ and failing to address incidents of racism in Spain’s top league.
‘Once again, instead of condemning racists, the president of La Liga goes on social media to attack me,’ Vinicius responded.
‘No matter how much you talk and act like you don't read, the reputation of your championship is affected. Look at the reactions to your posts and be surprised.
‘Failing to take action makes you just as bad as racists. I'm not here to chat with you about racism. I want actions and penalties. Hashtags don't impress me.’
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