Jude Bellingham has highlighted the urgent need for more support for players facing racism in Spanish football. Bellingham expressed his disgust at the racist abuse directed towards his Real Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni during a recent LaLiga match against Real Mallorca. The incident, captured on TV, showed a fan making racist gestures towards Tchouaméni, prompting Bellingham to call for action to address this 'massive problem.'
Bellingham emphasized the importance of proactive measures to combat racism in football, stressing that players like Vinícius Júnior deserve better support. Vinícius himself has been a target of racist abuse in the past, with incidents occurring during matches, such as one against Valencia last season that sparked global outrage.
Speaking ahead of Madrid's Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Manchester City, Bellingham acknowledged the challenges faced by players dealing with racial abuse. He urged those in power to take decisive action to protect players like Vinícius and ensure a safe environment for all.
Despite the focus on off-field issues, Bellingham also discussed Madrid's upcoming match against City. Reflecting on a previous heavy defeat in Manchester, Bellingham emphasized the need to approach the game with a positive mindset and learn from past experiences.
On a personal note, Bellingham shared insights into his performance this season, citing injuries and changes in his role as factors affecting his rhythm on the pitch. He expressed determination to regain his form and contribute effectively to the team's success.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti echoed Bellingham's confidence in Madrid's ability to overcome challenges and make history by securing a victory against City. Ancelotti emphasized the team's resilience and readiness to face the upcoming match with a winning mentality.