Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has claimed LaLiga now "belongs to the racists" after he was subjected to a fresh wave of disgusting abuse.
The match was paused by the referee after Vinicius pointed out the supporters who were taunting him with ‘monkey’ chants to the referee. The Brazil international was visibly on the verge of tears on the pitch and was clearly incensed, with teammates attempting to quell his anger.
Vinicius was later sent off for violent conduct in added time of his side's 1-0 defeat following an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro – the first red card of his career. Vinicius struck out at his opponent, who had him in a headlock but escaped punishment following a VAR review.
The 22-year-old took to Instagram after the match to post a story stating : "The racists have won their prize - I was sent-off." He then used the league's promotional slogan against them: “No es fútbol, es La Liga” (It is not football, it is La Liga).
The Brazilian then went further, writing in an emotional tweet : "It (the racism) was not the first time, not the second time, not the third. Racism is normal in La Liga."
"The competition thinks it's normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it. I am so sorry."
He added: "In Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists." Vinicius then went on to hint that such was the abuse, he may consider leaving Spanish football: "I will go all the way against racists. Even if far from here."
Vinicius said the Spanish top-flight, that once "belonged" to star players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, now "belongs to the racists". He added: "And unfortunately, with everything that happens on a weekly basis, I have no way to defend. I agree."
The racist chants directed at Vinicius were condemned by Brazil's President Lula da Silva at the G7 summit held in Japan. He called on La Liga and FIFA to "take measures so we don't allow racism and fascism to take over".
Lula also highlighted how Vinicius was "insulted in every stadium he goes to" – Sunday’s match was the tenth Real Madrid away match of the season when the league has had to report opposition fans to the local courts for racist chants against the forward.
La Liga president Javier Tebas launched an impassioned defence of the league’s stance on racism while also telling Vinicius that he needed to be “properly informed” of the work being done.
Tebas said : “We have tried to explain to you what La Liga is and what it can do in cases of racism, but you have not shown up to either of the two agreed dates that you yourself requested. Before criticising and insulting La Liga, you need to inform yourself properly Vinicius.
“Don’t let yourself be manipulated and make sure you understand the work we have been doing together.”
