Manchester United's Brazilian trio Casemiro, Fred and Antony are among those to send messages of support to Vinicius Jr after he was racially abused during Real Madrid's 1-0 defeat at Valencia.
On Sunday, the winger was targeted by a section of the home supporters with racist chants. Vinicius Jr had attempted to bring the referee's attention to the abuse but his complaints fell on deaf ears.
The 22-year-old was sent off deep into second half stoppage time after an altercation with Valencia's Hugo Duro. After the final whistle, the forward published a statement on Instagram declaring La Liga as 'belonging to racists'.
"The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists," the statement read. "It wasn't the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga.
ALSO READ: Casemiro is proving why United must give Ten Hag what he needs
"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."
La Liga president Javier Tebas responded to Vinicius Jr's statement on Twitter. He wrote: "Since those who should explain to you what it is La Liga can and cannot do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself.
"Before criticising and insulting La Liga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly Vini Jr. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together."
In response, Vinicius Jr hit back at the La Liga president for his reply to the incident. "Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of La Liga appears on social media to attack me," he wrote.
"As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship has been hit by this. See the responses to your posts and you will have a surprise… Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend when talking about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtags don’t move me."
Sticking up for his former Real Madrid teammate and fellow countryman, Casemiro challenged La Liga to deal with the issue.
"I feel disappointed and very sad to see, ashamed, how episodes of racism with my teammate Vinicius Junior are repeated," United's midfielder tweeted.
"We cannot continue to tolerate this problem that transcends sport, affects the whole of society and goes unpunished. Public condemnation is not enough, punishment is necessary.
"La Liga must urgently take exemplary measures, because these repeated incidents of racism tarnish the image not only of Spanish football, but also of the whole of world football. And the feeling must be unanimous: zero tolerance!!!!"
Antony added to Casemiro's sentiment by posting on his Instagram story: "I'm with you, my brother. Always and forever."
Jadon Sancho posted on his story: "We are all behind you brother," while Fred added: "We are with you."
Manchester City stars Ederson and Kyle Walker also sent their solidarity to Vinicius Jr. The Blues' Brazilian goalkeeper shared the winger's post accompanied with a black love heart while Walker added: "We are with you bro, racism can't win."
Get your hands on our 48-page souvenir United v City FA Cup Final print supplement by clicking here.
READ NEXT:
