Key takeaways:
- Real Madrid issued a statement condemning the racist abuse of Vinícius Júnior and promised a lifetime ban for those responsible.
- Valencia police have identified a fan who made racist gestures and are using footage to identify any others.
- The incident has sparked a larger conversation about racism in Spanish football, and the need for the league and clubs to take a stronger stance against it.
Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior was subjected to racist abuse during a match against Valencia on Sunday, prompting the club to issue a statement condemning the behavior and promising a lifetime ban for those responsible.
The match was temporarily stopped after Vinícius reported the abuse, and Valencia police have since identified a fan who made racist gestures and are using footage to identify any others.
Vinícius has faced racist abuse throughout his time in Spain, where he moved as a teenage prodigy five years ago. He took to Instagram and Twitter to express his frustration, saying “the competition thinks it’s normal, as does the federation, and the opponents encourage it.”
La Liga president Javier Tebas also responded to the incident, saying the league would take appropriate action if criminal wrongdoing is uncovered. However, he also criticized Vinícius’ response, saying “the league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi now belongs to racists.”
Vinícius responded to Tebas’ comments, saying “It wasn’t the first time, or the second or the third. But I’m strong and I will fight until the end against the racists.”
The incident has sparked a larger conversation about racism in Spanish football, and the need for the league and clubs to take a stronger stance against it.
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