Richarlison, Reece James,and Rio Ferdinand’s note to Vinicius Jr after racist abuse.
Richarlison has joined a number of other athletes and prominent public figures in expressing support for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr after he was subjected to racial slurs yet again.
Throughout the entire season, the 22-year-old has been subjected to racist chants and other derogatory assaults from fans. He was ejected from Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Valencia for violent conduct in extra time, but he had been ridiculed by home fans throughout the game.
He had stopped to point it out to the players and the referee during the game, with supporters claiming that his remarks about their relegation battle had provoked it. Later, he criticized La Liga for its lack of action in addressing bigotry issues, writing on Instagram:
“It wasn’t the first, second, or third time. Racism is commonplace in La Liga.The opposition considers it normal, and both the Federation and the adversaries encourage it. I’m truly apologetic. Racists currently hold the championship once held by Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo], and [Lionel] Messi.
“A beautiful nation that welcomed me and that I adore, but which agreed to export the image of a racist nation to the rest of the world.
“I apologize to the Spaniards who disagree, but today in Brazil, Spain is renowned as a racist country. Unfortunately, I have no defense for everything that occurs each week. I consent. But I am robust and will fight racism to the death. Even if far from here.”
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, defended his player by stating, “What we witnessed today is unacceptable: an entire stadium chanting racist slurs.” I do not wish to discuss football today. There is no point in discussing football today. I informed the referee that he should have stopped play.
“La Liga has a dilemma. Vinicius is the most important player in the globe, in my opinion. These instances of bigotry must end the game. The entire stadium is jeering a player with racial chants, and the game must be stopped. I would express the same sentiment if we were 3-0 up. There is no alternative.
“You must end the contest. You can’t proceed, it’s impossible. I informed the referee that I would be substituting him. I’m very upset, as I had never considered removing a participant for insulting him. The only thing he desires is to play football; he is neither furious nor upset.”
Ancelotti then posted the following on social media: “Today was a sad day at Mestalla, where a group of fans displayed their worst selves.” “It is time to cease talking and take decisive action. Racism has no place in football or in society as a whole. “NEIN TO RACISM EVERYWHERE!”
In response to these allegations, Valencia director Javier Solis stated, “In view of Mr. Ancelotti’s unfortunate and completely incorrect statements, in which he labeled all Mestalla fans as racist, the club cannot tolerate this.
“We categorically deny these complaints. Possible linguistic error; he must have misunderstood the word that was spoken.
“The club condemns all forms of racial slurs and is working to identify those who allegedly made a racist gesture or action, but to call all Valencia CF supporters racist is absurd, and the club cannot remain silent.”
La Liga’s president, Javier Tebas, responded to Vincius Jr on social media, writing, “Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what it can do @LaLiga in cases of racism have not done so, we have attempted to explain it to you, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed-upon dates that you requested.
“Before criticizing and insulting @LaLiga, you must correctly educate yourself, @Vinijr. Do not allow yourselves to be manipulated, and ensure that you have a complete understanding of each other’s skills and the work we have been doing together.”
The Brazil icon responded by saying, “Once again, rather than criticizing racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me.
“No matter how much you talk and feign not to read, the reputation of your championship is tarnished. Observe the replies to your posts and be surprised… Leaving yourself out makes you comparable to bigots.
“I am not your ally if we discuss racism. I desire actions and consequences. Hashtag doesn’t inspire me.”
Richarlison has been among those who have posted online expressions of support for Vinicius Jr. The Spurs attacker wrote on Twitter, “They have always done everything in their power to prevent black people from reaching the top… they enslaved, marginalized, and murdered.” However, they will never be able to bring down those who were destined for greatness. History disregards the rats and focuses on those who fought against these evil individuals. We are constantly together. [Punch emoji and supplication emoji].”
Rio Ferdinand also took to Instagram, posting: “Bro, you require protection. Who is safeguarding @vinijr in Spain? After being choked and receiving discriminatory slurs during the game, he receives a red card…wtf? How often must we observe this young man being subjected to this s***?
“I see agony, I see disgust, I see him needing help…And the authorities do nothing to assist him. People must unite and demand more from the governing authorities of our game. Nobody deserves this, yet you permit it.
This issue requires a unified approach; otherwise, it will be swept under the rug AGAIN. Everyone…stand strong and pleased together.”
Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, colleagues at Paris Saint-Germain, have added their own messages. The Brazilian responded, “I concur.” Mbappe continued, “You are not alone. We stand with you and offer our support.”
Ronaldo, a legend from Brazil, also wrote his own message. “Yet another instance of prejudice on @vinijr. This time with @laliga. When does it stop? As long as impunity and complicity exist, racism will persist. It is unacceptable for referees, the Federation, and the authorities to remain inactive. Enough is sufficient. Vini, depend on my participation in our struggle.”
Reece James is another individual who sends a message of courage and defiance. “Stay strong, brother,” he wrote on Instagram.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has also come out to defend Vinicius Jr. Lula stated, “It is not fair that a poor boy who is winning in life, becoming one of the best in the world, and certainly the best at Real Madrid, is insulted in every stadium he visits.”
Silvio Almeida, the Brazilian minister of human rights, stated on Twitter, “The behavior of Spanish authorities and the entities that govern its soccer is criminal.”
“It demonstrates an undeniable acceptance of racism,” Almeida remarked. “(Vinicius), I will be on your side to hold accountable not only those who attack you, but also those who omit themselves,” he said. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes attacked Tebas on Twitter. “You want to place the blame on the victim, you idiot?” Paes published.
Ednaldo Rodrigues, the first Black president of the Brazilian football confederation, stated, “When will we no longer be able to witness incidents like the one we just witnessed in La Liga? How long must we continue to fight for concrete and effective measures on and off the field? There is no happiness where prejudice exists.”
Flamengo, where Vinicius Jr began his professional career, also issued a statement. “It is even more shocking to learn that this is not the first incident and that so little has been done to combat racism in the Spanish league and prevent future incidents,” they wrote. Other parties in South America echoed the message as well.
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Richarlison, Reece James,and Rio Ferdinand’s note to Vinicius Jr after racist abuse.