Real Madrid Forward, Vinicius Jr, has said that racism is normal in La Liga and the act is being encouraged by opponent fans.
The Brazil international was targeted by chants from sections of the crowd at the Mestalla during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Valencia.
The game was stopped in the second half for 10 minutes as the visibly angry 22-year-old grabbed the referee and pointed towards fans who he felt had abused him.
Vinicius was later sent off for violent conduct in added time following an altercation with striker Hugo Duro.
He tweeted after the game: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. In football they think it’s normal, the federation does too – and the opponent encourages it.
“I’m so sad. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racism.
“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 something that happens each week, I have no defence. I let it happen.
“But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if it is far from here.”
Javier Tebas, the LaLiga president, criticised Vinicius after the game, accusing him of twice failing to appear at arranged meetings with the league regarding his complaints.
Tebas also told Vinicius “it is necessary that you inform yourself”, adding: “Do not let yourself be manipulated.”
Those comments prompted an angry response from the Real winger, who wrote on Twitter: “Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me.
“As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken.
“Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I want actions and punishments.”
LaLiga has said it will request all available images in order to investigate what took place in light of the incident. “If any hate crime is identified, we will take the appropriate legal action,” the league said in a statement.
The Spanish league has previously lodged complaints of racist chanting or insults against Vinicius, the latest of which was a claim before a court in Mallorca after fans were filmed racially abusing the forward.
Spanish police are also investigating a possible hate crime against Vinicius after a mannequin wearing his number 20 shirt was hung from a bridge outside Real Madrid’s training ground in January.
Ancelotti: The game should have been stopped
Speaking after the game, Vinicius’ manager Carlo Ancelotti said the abuse aimed at his player was unacceptable and told the referee the game should have been stopped.
“What we saw today is unacceptable. An entire stadium chanting racist slurs,” the Real Madrid boss said.
“I don’t want to talk about football today, there is no meaning in talking about football today. I told the referee he should have stopped the match.
“LaLiga has a problem. For me Vinicius is the most important player in the world. LaLiga has a problem, these episodes of racism have to stop the match.
“It’s the entire stadium that is insulting a player with racist chants and the match has to stop. I would say the same if we were winning 3-0, there is no other way.”
Ancelotti later added on Twitter: “Today has been a sad day at Mestalla, where a group of fans have shown their worst version.
“It is time to stop talking and act forcefully. Racism cannot have a place in football or in society. NO TO RACISM ANYWHERE.”
