LaLiga president Javier Tebas has rejected Vinicius Jnr’s claims that the league now ‘belongs to racists’ after the Brazilian was subjected to abuse during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia.
Vinicius Jnr had issued a stinging criticism of LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation on social media following the match.
The Real Madrid forward had declared that Spanish football has reached a new low after previously having a league that was the envy of Europe.
Vinicius Jnr had been subjected to racist chants before and during the game, marking the latest incident this season where the 22-year-old had been the victim of abuse.
‘It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga,’ Vinicius Jnr wrote.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has defended the league following criticism from Vinicius Jnr
Vinicius Jnr has slammed the lack of action from LaLiga and the Spanish FA in tackling racism
Tebas labelled Vinicius Jnr’s criticism as ‘very unfair’ and insists LaLiga is taking action
‘The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry.
‘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. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defense. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.’
Tebas responded on social media, with the LaLiga president labelling Vinicius Jnr’s criticism as ‘very unfair’ and declared that the image of the competition should not be ‘tarnished’.
The official claimed the league has been ‘relentless’ in pursuing complaints against perpetrators, insisting the league is attempting to combat racism within its powers.
‘Neither Spain nor LaLiga are racist, it is very unfair to say that,’ Tebas wrote.
‘From LaLiga we denounce and persecute racism with all the harshness within our powers.
‘This season racist insults have been reported 9 times (8 of them have been for insults against @vinijr). We always identify the madmen and file the complaint with the sanctioning bodies. It doesn’t matter how few they are, we are always relentless.
Vinicius Jnr, left, was the victim of racist chanting during Real Madrid’s match against Valencia
The Brazilian forward was sent off in added time and was visibly emotional leaving the pitch
‘We cannot allow the image of a competition that is above all a symbol of union between peoples to be tarnished, where more than 200 black players in 42 clubs receive the respect and affection of all the fans every day, being racism an extremely specific case (9 complaints) that we are going to eradicate.’
Tebas had earlier respond to Vinicius Jnr’s comments by claiming the winger had failed to turn up to multiple meetings to discuss the issue.
‘Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what it can do @LaLiga 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,’ he wrote.
‘Before criticising and insulting @LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly @Vinijr.
‘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 Jnr was clearly incensed by Tebas’ reply and blasted him in a stinging response, insisting the time for words was over as he demanded that action be taken against racist fans.
‘Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me.
‘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.
Tebas had hit back Vinicius Jnr on social media by urged him to ‘inform himself properly’
The Real Madrid winger responded by demanded that action be taken over racist abuse
‘I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtag doesn’t move me.’
Vinicius Jnr has had to put up with racism from rival fans on numerous occasions this season, with arguably the most high-profile incident coming when his team faced arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in September.
Atletico supporters allegedly called him a ‘monkey’ when the sides faced each other at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, but a Spanish prosecutor later concluded that the chants ‘did not constitute a crime’ as they ‘lasted only a few seconds’.
Vinicius Jnr was targeted by further racist chants from Valladolid fans in January, and Mallorca and Osasuna supporters the following month, leading to LaLiga filing complaints to the courts, with Atletico forward Alvaro Morata calling for those responsible to be banned for life from attending matches.
Real Madrid have confirmed they will pursue legal action following the latest incident, with the club condemning the ‘hate crime’.
The complaint has been filed to the State Attorney General’s Office.
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