PREMIER LEAGUE giants are on high alert to launch a summer raid on Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr after he hinted he is ready to quit Spain.The South American ace became embroiled in a war of words with LaLiga chief Javier Tebas following the racism storm and red card in Real Madrid’s defeat at Valencia.
Vinicius Jr pointed out racist abuse from the standsCredit: Getty
Vinicius Jr, who had demanded action from the referee after pointing out one alleged racist in the Mestalla crowd, was later dismissed despite appearing to be the victim of an assault by opponents.
The incidents – angrily condemned by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti – left the 22-year-old publicly throwing his LaLiga future into doubt.
He wrote on Twitter: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third.
“Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
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“I’m so sorry but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. Unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I agree.
“But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
That last comment suggested the Brazilian is ready to force a move from Madrid – with only Prem clubs able to afford his likely £100m fee and £360,000 per week current salary.
Yet the chances of Madrid placating the player seemed to have lessened after Tebas’ intervention.
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Instead of defending the player and condemning the racists – videos showed the chants of “monkey” were not confined to a handful of Valencia fans – Tebas appeared determined to bring him down.
The LaLiga boss wrote: “Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what LaLiga can do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you.
“But you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself.
“Before criticising and insulting LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly.
“Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.”
That, unsurprisingly, brought an even more aggressive response, as Vinicius Junior blasted back: “Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me.
“As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken. See the responses to your posts and have a surprise.
“Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Your hashtag doesn’t move me.”
Fifa responded by a statement from President Gianni Infantino which offered “full solidarity” to the player, adding: “There is no place for racism in football or society and Fifa stands with by players who have found themselves in such a situation.”
Infantino then criticised the Spanish authorities for not following Fifa’s controversial “three-step process” in which fans are warned the match will be abandoned if racist chants continues.
But there was full-throated backing for the player from Kick It Out, whose head of player engagement Troy Townsend said: “Vinicius Jr has now been subjected to racism numerous times this season while simply playing football for Real Madrid, and it has clearly taken its toll.
“How could it not? And yet the response from the Spanish football authorities has been to criticise him.
“Perpetrators of this shocking and continued racism need to be punished and banned by clubs.
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“Clubs need to be held accountable and be sanctioned by LaLiga. Spanish authorities need to take further action against this problem. So far, it is not working.
“Currently, the welfare of Vinicius Jr is not being protected, and that needs to change. This behaviour should not be tolerated by anyone involved in football.”
Vinicius, 22, alerted the referee to the situationCredit: Rex More
