Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior once again faced racist abuse during a match, prompting strong reactions from various figures in the football community. The incident occurred during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia, forcing a temporary stoppage of the game due to insults directed at the Brazilian forward from a fan. Expressing his frustration, Vinícius stated on social media that racism is prevalent in La Liga and that the league now belongs to racists.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti voiced his support for Vinícius and criticized the league for its handling of racism. Ancelotti considered replacing Vinícius after the player reported being subjected to chants of “monkey” from the fans. Ancelotti condemned the incident, stating that such behavior has no place in the league and that it reflects poorly on its reputation.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for action against racism and fascism in football stadiums. President Lula expressed his solidarity with Vinicius and expressed dismay that strong racial prejudices still exist in football stadiums in the 21st century.
Ancelotti expressed his disappointment and demanded that the game be stopped immediately when faced with racial insults directed at Vinicius. He stated that the incident was not an isolated case and that it had occurred in several stadiums. Ancelotti urged for a more proactive approach to combat racism and emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being of players over the outcome of the game.
Following the incident, Valencia identified two fans allegedly involved in insulting Vinicius. However, there were claims on social media that the fans were saying the word “tonto” (silly) rather than “mono” (monkey). Valencia later expected Ancelotti to apologize for accusing their fans of racism, citing a misunderstanding.
The match continued after the temporary stoppage, but Vinicius was later sent off following an altercation with Valencia players. As he left the field, he gestured to the home fans, referencing their team’s fight against relegation. The incident sparked further controversy, with Vinicius expressing frustration over his ejection and highlighting the slogan of the Spanish league, “It’s not soccer, it’s LaLiga.”
The incident involving Vinicius has once again highlighted the urgent need to address racism in football. It has sparked outrage among players, coaches, and even heads of state, emphasizing the necessity of taking decisive action to eradicate racism from stadiums and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all players.
SOURCE: Ref – AP, AFP
Images: Google Images
Whether writing about complex technical topics or breaking news stories, my writing is always clear, concise, and engaging. My dedication to my craft and passion for storytelling have earned me a reputation as a highly respected article writer.