Vinicius was asked if he’ll apologise by a Valencia fan – despite being subjected to racist chants.
There were shocking scenes in Spain on Sunday night asReal MadridstarVinicius Jrwas subjected to racist chants while playing away at Valencia.
The 22-year-old said “La Liga belongs to racists” on social media following the match.
Vinicius was sent off for violent conduct in the seventh minute of added-on time following an altercation with Hugo Duro.
The Brazil international was left incensed earlier in the match, which Real Madrid lost 1-0, after attempting to bring a Valencia fan to the referee’s attention.
“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists,” Vinicius, one of the world’s best footballers, wrote onTwitter. “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
“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 defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
Footage posted to social media shows Vini Jr welling up with tears after being subjected to a fresh wave of racist abuse.
This is not easy to watch. Or hear. But it is essential. Vinicius Junior. Welling up with tears after being subjected to a fresh wave of racist abuse. This has been a regular occurrence for six months in La Liga. pic.twitter.com/Ro80mHhvCA
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) May 21, 2023
However, La Liga president Javier Tebas sensationally hit back at Vinicius Jr’s emotional post.
Read more:La Liga president hits back at Vinicius Jr’s post about racist abuse
What did Vinicius Jr’s gesture vs Valencia mean?
As Vinicius walked off the Mestalla pitch after being sent off, the South American made a gesture to the crowd, holding up two fingers – which many assumed was a reference to Valencia’s potential relegation to Spain’s second-tier Segunda Division.
Absolute chaos! 😬
Vini Jr. is now SENT OFF! 🟥
Minutes after it seemed like he was the subject of abuse, the Real Madrid star sees red pic.twitter.com/4dXlvESrQ0
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) May 21, 2023
Vinicius haciendo el gesto de “a segunda” en Mestalla. Esos son los valores que le han enseñado en el Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/jfO7cJWmjE
— -1899- (@_Futbolero_) May 21, 2023
Valencia rose to 13th in La Liga following their win over Madrid but are still only five points above the relegation zone.
Later in the evening, El Chiringuito recorded footage of a Valencia fan asking Vinicius: “Are you going to apologise for that gesture?”.
A bemused-looking Vinicius shook his head and replied: “Are you stupid?”
Video: Vinicius Jr responds to Valencia fan’s question
Watch the clip here:
⚡ Cruce de VINICIUS con un aficionado del Valencia.
🤨 “¿Vas a pedir perdón por ese gesto?”
😡 “¿Eres tonto tú?”
🚨 IMAGEN @elchiringuitotv de @marcosbenito9. pic.twitter.com/5v68jvp7bU
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) May 21, 2023
What did Carlo Ancelotti say after the incident?
Meanwhile, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said Vinicius was “sad” inside the dressing room and told reporters: “This can’t happen”.
Asked how he would judge his team’s performance, Ancelotti responded, perAS: “I don’t want to talk about football. Do you want to talk about football?”
When asked what he wanted to talk about, the Italian coach replied: “About what happened here. I think that’s more important. More important than a defeat, don’t you? I’m calm, but what happened today shouldn’t happen. For a stadium to shout ‘monkey’ at a player and for a coach to think about taking him off for that… There’s something wrong with this league.”