After Sunday’s game between Valencia and Real Madrid, little has been said about the result.
Instead, Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr’s testimony about racist abuse from the stands has made headlines around the world. It is not the first time the player has raised the alarm about racist attacks this season.
“Racism is normal in La Liga. The league thinks it’s normal, so does the union and the opponents encourage it. I’m sorry. The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi now belongs to racists”Vinicius wrote on Twitter on Sunday.
Afterwards, La Liga president Javier Tebas counterattacked.
“Before criticizing and insulting La Liga, it is necessary to obtain real information. Don’t be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s skills and the work we’ve done together”writes Javier Tebas.
Several of the world’s most famous soccer players have shown their support for the Brazilian, including Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.
But too many haven’t done it, says Manchester United icon and football expert Rio Ferdinand.
Singles out Zlatan and Messi: “Need help”
In a post where the Englishman has tagged a number of world players, he mentions, among others, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Leo Messi, Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo – and urges them to raise their voices.
“Who protects Vinicius Jr in Spain??” Ferdinand asks himself.
“How many times do we have to see this young man exposed to this shit? I see pain, I see disgust, I see him needing help… And the leaders don’t do a damn thing to help him”.
“People need to stand together and demand more from the leaders who govern our sport. No one deserves this, yet you allow it. There has to be a united force against this, because otherwise it will be swept under the carpet again”he writes.
TV: The entire press conference with Zlatan in the national team
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