The match between Real Madrid and Valencia was marred after Vinicius Jr. was the subject of racist abuse from Valencia fans. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time this has happened to Vinicius and, unless things change, it likely won’t be the last.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was asked about the incident during his customary pre-match press conference and offered his support to the Madrid forward.
"“It’s a shame these things happen in 2023,” Xavi said. “There are no club badges or colors when it comes to this. It’s about people and we have to condemn any act like the one that happened at Mestalla with Vinicius.“I think the matches should be stopped. I’m working and it’s accepted that people insult you in the world of football. It’s time to stop all this, to say enough is enough. If there is an insult, you don’t play. I don’t have to put up with all kinds of insults in my working hours. I’ve always thought that and now that I’m a Barça coach, I can say it.”Source: Diario Sport"
Vinicius Jr. spoke on the abuse he suffered on Sunday on social media.
“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga,” Vinicius wrote. “This championship which was once that of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Cristiano and Messi is now that of racists. a beautiful nation, which has embraced me and I love it but which has decided to export the image to the world of a racist country. I’m sorry for the Spanish people who do not agree with this, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.”
Like Vinicius mentioned, this isn’t the first time he’s suffered racist abuse and each time, the league has failed to act appropriately.
LaLiga president, Javier Tebas, has put his foot in his mouth when he responded to Vinicius Jr.’s posts.
Ya que los que deberían no te explican qué es y qué puede hacer @LaLiga en los casos de racismo, hemos intentado explicártelo nosotros, pero no te has presentado a ninguna de las dos fechas acordadas que tú mismo solicitaste. Antes de criticar e injuriar a @LaLiga, es necesario… https://t.co/pLCIx1b6hS pic.twitter.com/eHvdd3vJcb
— Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) May 21, 2023
He essentially put some of the blame on Vinicius for not attending a couple of meetings where they were to discuss what to do in these instances and went on to say he should be more aware of what the league is trying to do instead of criticizing.
Vinicius responded and said that instead of condemning the racists, Tebas attacked him. He ended it by saying he wants to see action taken above a simple hashtag.
Something has to give and it looks like LaLiga is trying to absolve themselves from some of the blame. It remains to be seen what kind of punishment Valencia will receive for their fans’ bevahior.
Xavi and players from other leagues have come out in support of Vinicius. But, like Vinicisu said, it’s past time Tebas and the league take a more proactive approach.