Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior has spoken about the sickening abuse he suffered after the game against Valencia had to be abandoned.
REAL MADRID SAID that racism against Vinicius Junior is a "hate crime" and they have filed a complaint with the Spanish prosecutor's office.
The Brazilian striker highlighted what he describes as "constant episodes spreading across several Spanish cities" after he was allegedly attacked during Real's 1-0 LaLiga defeat in Valencia on Sunday.
The fan who made racist gestures towards Vinicius has been identified by the Valencian police and faces a lifetime ban from the Mestalla stadium.
"Every round away from home is an unpleasant surprise. And there have been a lot of them this season. Death wishes, a hanged doll, many criminal screams... Everything recorded,” Vinicius tweeted on Monday evening.
"But the talk always belongs to 'individual cases', to 'fans'. No, these are not isolated cases. It's about continuous episodes in several Spanish cities (and even a TV show). "The evidence is there on video. Now I ask: how many of these racists have their names and photos published on websites? I will answer for your convenience: zero. No one would tell a sad story or make these fake public apologies.
"What is missing to criminalize these people? And punish the clubs sportingly? Why don't sponsors pay for La Liga? TVs don't mind airing this barbarian every weekend?
"The problem is very serious and communication is no longer working. Nor do I accuse myself of justifying crimes. You're not football, you're inhuman."
The game was stopped after the break when Vinicius pointed out to the referee those who allegedly abused him in the stands.
In a strongly worded statement, his club said: "Real Madrid CF expresses its deepest disgust and condemns the events that took place yesterday against our player Vinicius Junior.
"These facts are a direct attack on our social and democratic rule of law coexistence model.
"Real Madrid considers that such attacks are also a hate crime, which is why it has submitted a corresponding complaint to the state prosecutor, specifically to the prosecutor for hate crimes and discrimination, so that the facts can be investigated and the responsibility can be determined.
"Article 124 of the Spanish Constitution stipulates the duty of the Prosecutor to promote the administration of justice for the protection of legality and the rights of citizens and public interests. "Because of this and because of the importance of the events, Real Madrid turned to the Prosecutor's Office, without prejudice to its appearance as a private prosecutor in the pending trial."
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: "Zero tolerance for racism in football. Sport is based on the values of tolerance and respect. Hate and xenophobia should have no place in football or in our society.
In an earlier statement on Instagram, Vinicius said racism was "normal" in LaLiga.
He said: "It was not the first, not the second, not the third time. Racism is normal in LaLiga. "The competition thinks it's normal, the league too and the opponents encourage it. I'm very sorry.
"Forgive the Spaniards who disagree, but today in Brazil Spain is known as a country of racists."
LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded to Vinicius' post on Sunday, accusing the forward of "criticizing and insulting" the league.
In another tweet on Monday, Tebas said: "Neither Spain nor @LaLiga are racist. It's very unfair to say that. "As in @LaLiga we condemn racism and fight it with all our might. There have been 9 incidents of racist abuse this season (of which 8 were insults @vinijr)
"We always identify violators and send the complaint to the legislators. No matter how few there are, they are relentless.
"We cannot allow the emblematic competition of the League of Nations to be tarnished, with more than 200 black players in 42 clubs who command the respect and love of the fans in every round, which is racism and a very special case. 9 complaints) which we intend to eliminate."
A statement from Valencia on Monday read: "Valencia CF announces, in line with the club's ongoing commitment against racism and all forms of violence, that the police have identified a fan who made racist gestures to Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid during the 35th day at Mestalla 1. May 21.
“The club is also working with the police to identify other potential offenders. "Since the unfortunate events occurred, the club has analyzed all available material and worked with the authorities as quickly as possible to establish what happened in order to act quickly and strongly."
"Valencia CF has initiated disciplinary proceedings, will apply the highest level of severity to the fans involved, including a lifetime ban from the stadium, and is working closely with the authorities."
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, a former Real colleague of Vinicius and Brazilian team-mate, has called on LaLiga to take urgent action and have zero tolerance for racism.
"I am disappointed and very sad to see and ashamed to see the repetition of the racist episodes with my teammate Vinicius Junior," Casemiro wrote on Twitter.
"We cannot continue to tolerate this problem, which goes beyond sport, affects the whole society and remains unpunished. Public condemnation is not enough, punishment is necessary. "LaLiga must quickly act as an example, because these repeated incidents of racism tarnish not only the image of Spanish football, but also of world football."
Content created and supplied by: KaySels (via Opera News )
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