The ugly side of sports shows itself once again. This past weekend Real Madrid played Valencia in La Liga and Vinicius Jr. was a victim of Racist abuse from Valencia fans. The game was paused to announce that racism was not allowed but the game kept on going eventually boiling over and Vinicius jr being sent off “for hitting someone”… Incredibly unfortunate and since the RFEF have sacked the 6 VAR referees that were apart of that match.
But after the game is when it got really heated. Vinicius Jr tweeted: (translated from Spanish) “It was not 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 [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists. A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defense. I agree. But I am strong and I will fight to the end against racists. Even if that is far from here.”
La Liga President then responded with his own tweet: “Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what it can do @LaLiga in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself. Before criticizing and insulting @LaLiga , it is necessary that you inform yourself properly @Vinijr . Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other's competencies and the work we have been doing together.”
Vini Jr responded again: “Once again, instead of criticizing racists, the president of LaLiga shows up on social media to attack me. … I am not your friend to talk with about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtags don’t move me.”
I personally feel the La Liga president took the complete wrong stance on this situation and he showed little compassion or empathy - deflecting the situation.