Mueez Ajao
– La Liga has condemned “hate speech” and says it will work with authorities after reports of racist chanting towards Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
– Real won at Atletico Madrid on Sunday and some opposing fans allegedly sang racist songs when entering the ground.
– It comes after Vinicius, 22, said “the happiness of a black Brazilian in Europe” was behind recent criticism.
Also Read: Vinicius makes celebration vow after agent’s racist abuse on live TV
– “We denounce all incidents inside and outside stadiums,” said a La Liga spokesperson.
– “We work with clubs to keep our football friendly and enjoyable.”
– The spokesperson added: “Hate speech has no place in La Liga and we always work with the clubs and the authorities to identify and bring to justice any such case.”
– Vinicius’ celebration after scoring, in which he dances, have drawn comments from pundits in Spain recently.
– Agent Pedro Bravo said during a Spanish television discussion on Vinicius that “in Spain, you have to respect rivals and stop playing the monkey”, leading to accusations of racism. He has since apologised.
– Brazil international Vinicius, who has scored five goals in eight games for the European champions so far this season, listed other stars who danced in their celebrations in a statement on Friday.
– “Weeks ago, some people started to criticise my dancing. But the dancing is not mine alone,” he said.
– “They belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Antoine] Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha… Brazilian funk singers and samba dancers, Latin reggaeton singers, Black Americans. They are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world.
– “They say that happiness bothers. The happiness of a Black Brazilian being successful in Europe bothers much more. But my will to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that.”
– Vinicius was supported by several Brazilian football stars on social media, including Pele and Neymar, while Real Madrid also released a statement condemning the pundit’s comments on Friday.
– The criticism and racism did not stop Vinicius and his Brazilian team-mate Rodrygo dancing after the latter scored the opening goal at Wanda Metropolitano as Real Madrid won 2-1.
