(Football news) Vinicius Jr has been one of the most prolific players in Europe for the past season and a half. At the age of just 22, the Brazilian has become the player to watch for a massive club like Real Madrid. This season he has continued to deliver on the field but he has been surrounded by controversy. The winger is booed, jeered and sometimes even racially abused at almost every away stadium. Vinicius being Brazilian used to dance in order to celebrate goals which annoyed a bunch of fans.
Koke talked about Vinicius Jr before the Madrid derby last season-
“If Vinicius scored and celebrated in his way? There will be trouble. For sure.”
After that there were a bunch of people who supported Koke’s statement and what followed was totally disgusting and unacceptable.
“Vinicius will have to respect the opponents. If you want to dance, go to the sambadrome in Brazil. In Spain, you have to respect rivals & stop playing the monkey.”
Pedro Bravo, President of the Association of Spanish Agents
Pedro Bravo was heavily criticised and Vinicius was very well supported he later apologized by saying that his intentions was not to offend anyone and he wasn’t being racist. The player posted an explosive video condemning the action but Atlético Madrid fans didn’t seem to care. On matchday there were continuous racist chants towards Vinicius.
A bunch of fans were holding a monkey toy wearing a Real Madrid kit. They were also throwing objects at players, specifically Vinicius. La Liga and Atlético Madrid both put out a statement saying it was unacceptable but no significant action was taken. This season a bunch of players came forward to criticize the Brazilian as they accused him of being a problem and playing the victim card and the race card.
“At school they told me that I misbehaved, so I went & told my mom. She said ‘It’s not possible that all teachers say that, you must’ve done something wrong.’ I think the same thing happens with Vinicius.”
Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo
“If I have to set an example for my kids, I will put Modric or Benzema, but never Vinicius. He dances but does not lack respect, does not insult or belittle his fellow professionals; then when he is labeled as ‘provocative’ he uses the wild card of racism.”
Mallorca captain Antonio Raillo
Cadiz player Ivan Alejo tweeted ‘🕺🕺🕺🙊🙊🙊’ after Brazil were knocked out and La Liga didn’t take any action. Before the Madrid derby in the Copa Del Rey this season Atletico Madrid fans hanged a doll with Vinicius Jr’s jersey from a bridge with a flag that said ‘Madrid hates Real. La Liga and Atlético Madrid among others called out the incident but nothing has happened yet. Atletico Madrid fans or any other have not been given a stadium ban which should’ve already happened as there is so much evidence of racism.
“Everyone pushes Vinicius; his rivals, the rival fans, sometimes the referee. I love him very much and we want him to be a little more respected by everyone.”
Carlo Ancelotti
On the pitch Vini is always the most fouled player and the referees aren’t giving him enough protection. Players get away with blatant fouls because it is sometimes the only way to stop him. Even his own teammates sometimes don’t seem to have his back. Valencia’s Gabriel Paulista was sent off for violently kicking the left winger yesterday and a few Madrid players did confront him but it still wasn’t enough.
“It was about time someone got sent off for kicking Vinícius, he needs to be protected.”
Thibaut Courtois
In the past it seemed like Vinicius is often the only one confronting such fouls. It is tough to imagine that former Madrid players like Sergio Ramos and Pepe would let opponents get away with it. Things need to change and Vinicius needs to be given more protection before its too late.
Also read: Real Madrid beat Valencia 2-0 in a heated clash at the Bernabéu
