‘La Liga is racist’

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior says racism is normalised in La Liga following an altercation with Valencia fans and players on Sunday night at the Mestalla Stadium.

Vinicius was subjected to racial abuse during Madrid’s 1-0 loss when the match was stopped for ten minutes in the second half as the seemingly angry Brazillian grabbed the referee and pointed toward fans who he felt had abused him.

The 22-year-old was later sent off for violent conduct after he had an altercation with Valencia striker, Hugo Duro.

After the match, Vinicius took to Twitter to voice his grievances: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. 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. I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.”

La Liga has previously lodged complaints of racist slurs against Vinicius Jr., the latest of which was a claim before a court in Mallorca after fans were filmed racially abusing the striker.

Spanish police are also investigating a possible hate crime against the Brazillian after a mannequin wearing his number 20 shirt was hung from a bridge outside Real Madrid’s training ground in January.

Madrid Manager, Carlo Ancelotti, also took to Twitter post the match: “Today has been a sad day at Mestalla, where a group of fans have shown their worst version. It is time to stop talking and act forcefully. Racism cannot have a place in football or in society. No to racism anywhere,” wrote the Italian.

Valencia have also released a statement on their club website condemning the act and confirming they will investigate.