AFP: Vinicius Junior said La Liga “belongs to racists” after suffering vile abuse yesterday during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Valencia. The 22-year-old Brazilian winger faced off with home supporters and pointed directly to one after racist insults during the second half. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he heard monkey chants near the start of the game, while Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti said there was “a racist atmosphere” at Mestalla.
“It was not the first time, not the second and not the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the (Spanish) Federation also thinks it’s normal and opponents encourage it,” Vinicius wrote on Instagram yesterday.”The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Leo) Messi, now belongs to racists. “A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but one which has 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. Unfortunately, for everything that happens every week, I have no way of defending it. I agree.” The Spanish top flight said they have been “proactive in the face of all racist incidents” involving Vinicius who was sent off in Sunday’s game.