(Football news) Vinicius Jr was targeted by racist chants at the Mestalla Stadium during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Valencia. The 22 year old, who looked visibly upset, grabbed the referee and pointed towards the fans in the second half, prompting the game to be stopped for 10 minutes. The Brazilian was later sent off for violent conduct in added time following an altercation with striker Hugo Duro. The situation will now be investigated by the LaLiga, who have previously lodged complaints of racist chanting and insults against Vinicius Jr.

Tweeting after the game, the Brazil international said “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. In football they think it’s normal, the federation does too – and the opponent encourages it. I’m so sad. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racism. 

“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 something that happens each week, I have no defence. I let it happen. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if it is far from here.”

Javier Tebas, the LaLiga president criticised Vinicius Jr after the game, accusing the player of failing to appear at arranged meetings with the league twice regarding complaints. He said to Vinicius “it is necessary that you inform yourself”, adding: “Do not let yourself be manipulated.”

The comments led to an angry backlash by the Real Madrid winger who wrote on Twitter “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. Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I want actions and punishments.”

Speaking after the match, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said “What we saw today is unacceptable. An entire stadium chanting racist slurs. I don’t want to talk about football today, there is no meaning in talking about football today. I told the referee he should have stopped the match. LaLiga has a problem. For me Vinicius is the most important player in the world. LaLiga has a problem, these episodes of racism have to stop the match.

“It’s the entire stadium that is insulting a player with racist chants and the match has to stop. I would say the same if we were winning 3-0, there is no other way. Today has been a sad day at Mestalla, where a group of fans have shown their worst version. It is time to stop talking and act forcefully. Racism cannot have a place in football or in society. NO TO RACISM ANYWHERE.” 

In response to Ancelotti’s comments, Valencia corporate director and spokesperson Javier Solis said “In light of the unfortunate and completely incorrect statements by Mr Ancelotti, in which he branded all of the fans at Mestalla as racist, the club cannot tolerate this. We reject these complaints head-on. Possibly it is the result of a mistake in the language and he must have understood another word as being said. 

“The club condemn any type of racist insults and are working to identify the people who allegedly made a gesture or action, but calling all the Valencia fans racist is nonsense and the club cannot remain silent. We understand that when Ancelotti realises the mistake he has made and the very serious statements he has made, he should apologise, in the same way that both the coach and I condemn any racist insult. In the same way, when he realises the mistake he has made, he should apologise.”

Valencia had earlier released a statement on their website condemning the incident and confirming an investigation. The statement read “Valencia wishes to publicly condemn insults and attacks of all kinds in football. The club has a firm commitment to the values of respect and sportsmanship and reiterates our position against physical and verbal violence in stadiums. Thus, we are saddened by the events that occurred during the LaLiga matchday 35 match against Real Madrid.

“Although this is an isolated episode, insults to any opposing player have no place in football and do not fit with the values and identity of Valencia. The club is investigating what occurred and will take the most severe measures against the perpetrators. Valencia also condemns any offence and requests the utmost respect for our fans. Whilst strongly denouncing these isolated incidents, Valencia would like to thank the more than 46,000 fans in attendance for their support for the team.”

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