Real Madrid have reported the racist abuse Vinicius Junior suffered at Valencia on Sunday as a hate crime, as the winger hits out at LaLiga.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has once again become a subject of racial taunts after chants were heard from sections of the home crowd during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia at the Mestella stadium.
Unexpectedly, the second half of the match was delayed for about 10mins as the visibly angry 22-year-old was seen pointing towards the stands in an attempt to show the referee, fans who he felt had abused him.
The Brazilian was later sent off for violent conduct in added time following an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro.
“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. In football they think it’s normal, the federation does too – and the opponent encourages it,” the player tweeted on his social media handle.
“I’m so sad. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racism.”
“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 something that happens each week, I have no defence. I let it happen.”
“But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if it is far from here.”
“Real Madrid strongly condemns the events that took place yesterday against our player Vinicius Junior. These events represent a direct attack on the social and democratic model of coexistence of our state based on the rule of law.”
“Real Madrid believes that such attacks also constitute a hate crime and has therefore filed the corresponding report with the Attorney General’s Office, specifically with the Prosecutor’s Office against crimes of hatred and discrimination, in order for the facts to be investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable.”
