Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr has strongly criticized LaLiga president Javier Tebas for his failure to address the issue of racism in the Spanish top flight.
The 22-year-old winger’s comments came after he was sent off for reacting to racial abuse during his team’s 1-0 defeat against Valencia on Sunday.
Valencia fans singing “Vinicius you are a monkey” during Real Madrid’s arrival to the stadium.pic.twitter.com/D96v05sHjP
— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) May 21, 2023
Throughout the match, Vinicius Jnr was subjected to racist chants from the stands. In the closing moments of the game, he reacted by lashing out at Valencia’s Hugo Duro during a confrontation.
Despite seemingly being put in a headlock before striking his opponent, Vinicius Jnr was the only player to be sent off, leaving him visibly upset as he left the field, tears streaming down his face.
Valencia fans chanting “Mono” (monkey) towards Vinicius.
F*cking disgusting.
— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball) May 21, 2023
This unfortunate incident is not the first time that Vinicius Jnr has been targeted with racist abuse this season. Taking to Twitter after the match, the Brazilian expressed his dismay, stating that Spanish football has reached a new low, especially considering that LaLiga was once regarded as the envy of Europe. He wrote, “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga.”
Vinicius Jnr’s strong condemnation highlights the urgent need for action to combat racism in Spanish football. The incident has once again brought into focus the responsibility of football authorities, including LaLiga president Javier Tebas, to address and eradicate such behaviour from the game.
