Real Madrid winger Carlo Ancelotti believes that Spanish football has a racism problem after he was forced to explain that Vinicius Junior was not to be blamed for the abuse he endured. In Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Mallorca, a fan is reported to have racially abused Vinicius. This is only the most recent incident to affect him since moving to Spain, and La Liga is looking into it. Prior to Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid in January, an effigy of the 22-year-old, who in December said La Liga was doing “nothing” to tackle racism, was hanging from a highway overpass. Vinicius’ assertion was deemed “unfair and inaccurate” by La Liga President Javier Tebas, but Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that he fully agrees that racism is an issue in Spanish football as a whole.
“I would like to know: What is the issue? Vinicius? Who is on Vinicius’ team? What is the issue? to stand his ground? Against what must Vinicius defend himself? Against what must his teammates defend themselves? I’m not sure,” Carlo Ancelotti believes that Spanish football has a racism problem. “Although Vinicius may appear to be the issue, what happens around him actually is. Period. In Spanish football, it is a problem. I play football for Spain, and I believe this is a problem that needs to be resolved. Vinicius appears to be the guilty party, yet he is actually the victim of an unknown circumstance.”
“These are abhorrent, unacceptable activities that bring dishonor to society. We categorically and unequivocally reject any action that violates the dignity of individuals or institutions,” Atletico Madrid said in a statement. “The fiercest competition exists between the two clubs, yet respect also exists. No one can sully the peaceful coexistence of many followers, regardless of their motives or colors. To prevent this, everyone has a responsibility.”
“Attacks like the one our guy experienced, or those experienced by any athlete, have no place in a culture like ours,” Real Madrid said. “These allegedly hateful gestures merely promote violence and have no place in our sport. Soccer must be played with enthusiasm while maintaining constant respect for the players, the opposition, and the audience.”
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