“I am a tormentor of racists,” says Vinicius Jr

 

Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Jr, says the conviction of three Valencia fans who abused him at a match is for all black people.

Vinicius has many times been the target of racist attacks at several Spanish stadiums, since joining Real Madrid in 2018.

In the recent one, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for racially abusing him during a La Liga match at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium in May last year.

Taking to X, the Champions League Player of the Season for the 23/24 campaign, says he was told to ignore it.

“Many others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just play football…. But, as I’ve always said, I’m not a victim of racism. I am a tormentor of racists. This first criminal conviction in the history of Spain is not for me.”

Muitos pediram para que eu ignorasse, outros tantos disseram que minha luta era em vão e que eu deveria apenas “jogar futebol”.

Mas, como sempre disse, não sou vítima de racismo. Eu sou algoz de racistas. Essa primeira condenação penal da história da Espanha não é por mim. É por… https://t.co/NdezpJBjF2

— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) June 10, 2024

Vinicius’ home country of Brazil lodged a diplomatic protest and turned off the lights on Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue in solidarity with the player after the incident that’s at the centre of the case.

Real Madrid then filed a criminal complaint and within days, police arrested the three now convicted youths for insults and gestures with racist overtones at the Valencia match.

They were found guilty of a crime against moral integrity with aggravating circumstance of discrimination based on racist motives.

They have also been banned from being at any football stadium, in which  La Liga and/or Spanish Football Federation matches are played for two years.

This is the first time someone has been convicted of racism at a football match, setting a precedence for other countries.

Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, applauded the convictions, describing them as a positive step to find a way to end racism.

“Our message to people anywhere in the world who still behave in a racist way when they are dealing with football is clear: we don’t want you. These people have to be excluded, they are not part of our community and not part of football. This ruling showcases one of FIFA’s five pillars of action: criminal charges.”

Football fans also took to X to express their opinions on the saga.

Bravo🤝👏👏 Vinicius Jr cest un bon exemple pour lutter contre le raciste 🙏🙏😉✊✊

— Zaoua Tidjet (@ZTidjet71) June 11, 2024

“I’m not a victim of racism, I am a tormentor of racists..” -Vinicius Jr. pic.twitter.com/tlkYpAnQZz

— CXL (@LevyFlacko_) June 11, 2024

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“I’m not a victim of racism.

I’m a tormentor of racists.”

-Vinicius Jr pic.twitter.com/SNuwyDLv8q

— ISAIAH/MAITREYA 1111 (@idothisnmysleep) June 11, 2024

I’m not a victim of racism.
I’m a tormentor of racists

-Vinicius Jr. https://t.co/VhkbMfaoyr

— Babaloja of shoprite (@TallNerdy) June 11, 2024

🚨 The three guilty perpetrators of racist insults towards Vinicius Jr in Valencia were sentenced to 8 months in prison! ⛓️🇪🇸

In addition to the 8 months in prison, they will not be able to access a stadium for 2 years. 👨‍⚖️ pic.twitter.com/eW75ItRVjW

— 4football (@4football247) June 11, 2024