In a new attack on La Liga and the Spanish government, Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr. claims he has received death threats this year.
The Brazilian winger has received death threats from opposing fans during some of Madrid’s away matches this season. He has also received racist and nasty texts on 10 other occasions, including racist chants at Valencia on Sunday.
Vinicius is apparently assessing his position in Spain, casting doubt on his future in La Liga.
In support of the footballer, his native Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, shut off the illumination of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue on Corvocado.
Vinicius wrote: “Black and imposing” beside a photo of the statue shrouded in darkness. That is how Christ the Redeemer was. An inspiring show of solidarity. However, inspiring people and shedding more light on our battle are my top priorities.
I am incredibly grateful for all the love and support I have gotten over the past few months. both in Brazil and everywhere else. Who is who is clear to me. Because the bulk of people are decent people, you can rely on me to persist.
“I have a purpose in life, and if I have to suffer more and more in order for subsequent generations to avoid going through similar circumstances, I’m ready and prepared,” the person said.
The racial taunts directed at Brazilian midfielder Vincius Jnior on Sunday, May 21, during a match between Real Madrid and Valencia were condemned by the Cristo Redentor Archdiocesan Sanctuary.
“(The) lighting (is) turned off in solidarity with the player and all those who experience prejudice throughout the world, and as a symbol of the collective struggle against racism.”
The Madrid talent posted a video of all the different acts of hate he has been subjected to online, writing: “Every round away from home is an unpleasant surprise.” And this season, there were plenty.
“Death wishes, a hanging doll, and numerous criminal screams…” Everyone signed up. But the focus of the discourse is always on “isolated cases” or “a fan.” No, these are not unique instances. They are nonstop episodes that take place in various Spanish cities (and even in a television show).
The video contains the proof. How many of these racists had their identities and images published online, I wonder now? I respond with zero to make it simpler, he continued.
“None to share a depressing tale or issue those phony public apologies.” What is required to make these folks criminals? And penalize clubs in a fair manner? Why doesn’t La Liga charge sponsors? Why don’t televisions broadcast this heinousness every weekend?
“The situation is dire, and communication is broken.” Not using my actions as an excuse for wrongdoing, either. You’re not a football; you’re a monster.
The video that accompanied the tweet, which has now received more than 7 million views on Twitter, documents the shocking level of abuse Vinicius has seen while participating in football.
Some of LaLiga’s most well-known figures have denounced the despicable actions, while others have made an effort to minimize Vinicius’ concerns.
Surprisingly, league head Javier Tebas argued that racism is not a problem in Spanish football and called Vinicius’ criticism “unfair.”
The Brazilian flair player was praised by Barcelona manager Xavi, who also claimed that football was “the only profession where insults are accepted.”
Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, also consoled Vinicius.
On Monday, Perez met with the player and laid out the team’s strategy for defending him.
