La Liga have launched an investigation after a child was filmed allegedly hurling a racist comment in the direction of Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Valencia.
Real Madrid, this season’s runaway league leaders in Spain, came from two goals down to rescue a point at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium, with Vinicius scoring twice in Saturday’s bad-tempered clash.
England sensation Jude Bellingham appeared to seal all three points for the visitors at the death but the header did not stand as referee Jesus Gil Manzano had already blown his whistle to signal full-time.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder was furious at being denied a dramatic winner and was shown a red card after supposedly yelling, ‘It’s a f***ing goal, the ball is in the air! What the f*** is that?!’, at the official.
The match marked Vinicius first appearance back at the Mestalla since last May, when the Brazil international was subjected to horrific racial abuse – the tenth time such an incident was reported against the forward at the time last season.
And it appears history has repeated itself this weekend, with ESPN Brazil sharing a video allegedly showing a small child calling Vinicius a ‘monkey’ during Saturday’s clash.
According to the publication, the individual who recorded the incident confirmed that police were called during the match and it’s understood La Liga have opened an investigation into the footage.
Valencia issued lifetime bans to four supporters for their part in the abuse Vinicius experienced last term and the Brazilian testified about the incidents in court in October.
‘It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga,’ Vinicius posted on social media after the abuse he suffered in Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Valencia last summer.
‘The competition thinks it’s normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry.’
He added: ‘The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and 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.
‘Unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.’
Incredibly, La Liga president Javier Tebas went on to criticise Vinicius rather than condemn the racism that the Madrid attacker had been subjected to at Valencia.
‘Since those who should explain to you what it is La Liga can and cannot do 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,’ Tebas responded to Vinicius’ post.
‘Before criticising and insulting La Liga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly Vini Jr. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.’
Vinicius has been outspoken with his criticism of Tebas and blasted the La Liga chief for ‘omitting yourself’ and failing to deal with incidents of racism in Spain’s top flight.
‘Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of La Liga appears on social media to attack me,’ Vinicius replied.
‘As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken. See the responses to your posts and have a surprise.
‘Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtag doesn’t move me.’
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