The tension of last Sunday's derby at the Metropolitano between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid brought to light an issue greater than that which emerged on the pitch: the incidents of violence and racism during the match, especially against the insults thrown at forward Vinicius Junior. This problem isn't new, but what really stands out this time is an accusation by Real Madrid against LaLiga for omitting important information regarding the incidents.
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The depth of the problem-violence and racism in Spanish soccer
Soccer is, without question, one of the most passionate sports in the world. The problem is that this passion often runs overboard and turns the stadiums into real battlefields, where violence and racism are becoming unwelcome protagonists. What happened last Sunday at the Metropolitano reflected the stain that Spanish soccer urgently needs to clean.
That is better expressed through the frustration of Carlo Ancelotti, who attacked the presence of "violent people" in football. The words of the Italian coach were not a momentary explosion but the echo of the feeling of all those who still believe in the cohesive power of sport. As he said, "Let the violent people leave us in peace." That should be the mantra taken up by fans, players, and officials alike.
LaLiga controversy: omission of information?
Real Madrid's anger toward LaLiga was made public when the club published an 11-page document in which they detail some serious incidents that LaLiga allegedly did not include in its initial report. The most astonishing of these were racist chants against Vinicius Junior, death threats against goalkeeper Courtois, and even masked ultras whetting for more violence. It reached the point where a fan threw a knife that was eventually taken away.
That begs the question of why LaLiga did not turn them in right from the word go. If that is the job of a sports institution-to protect the spirit of fair play and ensure that everyone in the stadium is safe and sound-then it is immensely worrying that such fundamentally important information could have been omitted, according to the allegation. In those incidents, confirmations have come in that they, too, would form part of the final report going to RFEF. However, the damage might have been done. A lack of transparency might have shaken public and club confidence in LaLiga.
Racism against Vinicius Junior: an issue not to be overlooked
Vinicius Junior is not new to racist incidents. The Brazilian striker has been consistently abused in Spanish stadiums. What takes this even to an even graver level is that Atlético de Madrid supporters tried to "coordinate" these acts of racism, wearing masks to avoid identification by the security systems of the stadiums. The fact that they use masks shows that they know full well that what they are doing is a crime, but feel comfortable enough to act, banking on impunity.
It is shameless that, in the 21st century, in one of the world's most prestigious leagues, racism continues to be something that pops up. Amazing and shocking, even, is that these attacks can keep happening without an immediate and firm response by the institutions in charge. The case of Vinicius Junior brings to mind that Spanish soccer has to do a lot more to eradicate racism from its stadiums.
Responsibility of clubs and institutions
Beyond the critical support for the violent and racist fans, clubs should be made accountable for the acts of their supporters. For instance, Atlético de Madrid has pledged to ascertain who was behind throwing objects onto the field and hurling racist insults. But such promises have gone the same way in the past with little or no concrete action taken in that respect.
Stricter measures should be adopted concerning the security in stadiums, as well as with punishments for such incorrect behavior. The problem will not be solved, and Spanish soccer will keep suffering from those sad episodes if nothing is done at the levels of club, federation, and league.
Another very relevant aspect is the denouncement that came through the media. The Spanish press, mainly through "El Chiringuito," "As," and "Marca," was really important in airing very essential information on what happened at Metropolitano. Its management is one of the most necessary parts to exert pressure on the relevant bodies so that such acts are prosecuted and prevention achieved.