REAL MADRID star Vinicius Jr claimed Spain is “a country of racists” after allegedly being abused by Valencia fans.
The Brazilian reported abuse from home supporters during his team’s 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla earlier today.
Vinicius pointed out the alleged offenders to the referee, with the match temporarily halted for around nine minutes.
The 22-year-old was later sent off for striking out at Hugo Duro… despite the Spanish youth international NOT receiving a red card for having him in a headlock.
Real Madrid’s star winger sarcastically applauded and gave a peace sign to the home crowd as he left the field.
Taking to Twitter after the match, he powerfully wrote: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third.
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“Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
“I’m so sorry. 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.
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“And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
Carlo Ancelotti also had strong words to say about the unsavoury scenes.
After the match, he said: “You can’t play football like this.
“This is too serious, they throw a ball on the field, they insult Vinicius all the time, and they take the red card from him.
“What are we talking about? We are in 2023, there can be no racism We have to go home.”
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Tensions had already been boiling between players on the pitch earlier in the match, with Valencia defender Eray Comert having kicked a stray ball at Vinicius as the winger had attempted to run in behind with the actual ball.
The incident sparked a melee between players from both teams.
Valencia then released an official statement.
It read: “Valencia CF wish to publicly condemn insults and attacks of all kinds in football.
“The club have a firm commitment to the values of respect and sportsmanship, and reiterate our position against physical and verbal violence in stadiums. Thus, we are saddened by the events that occurred during the LaLiga Matchday 35 match against Real Madrid.
“Although this is an isolated episode, insults to any opposing player have no place in football and do not fit with the values and identity of Valencia CF.
“The club are investigating what occurred and will take the most severe measures against the perpetrators. Valencia CF also condemn any offence and request the utmost respect for our fans.
“Whilst strongly denouncing these isolated incidents, Valencia CF would like to thank the more than 46,000 fans in attendance for their support for the team.”
Vinicius has repeatedly been the victim of vile racist abuse in recent seasons.
He was racially abused by Atletico Madrid fans earlier in this campaign.
While he also danced in front of the crowd after allegedly receiving similar abuse from Mallorca supporters last term.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
