Real Madrid News
Spanish Prime Minister condemns racist abuse against Vinicius: “Very sad as an Atletico supporter”
Speaking in an interview with POLITICO, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned the act of racist abuse directed towards Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr by the fans of Atletico Madrid.
The situation was sparked by initial comments made by football agent Pedro Bravo towards Vinicius Jr, criticising the Brazilian’s post-goal dancing celebrations, which had racist connotations.
The 22-year-old received widespread support from the entire footballing community following that, but ahead of the derby, a section of Atletico Madrid supporters hurled racist chants at the Real Madrid forward outside the Civitas Metropolitano.
It did not stop at that as the chants even continued during the match inside the stadium as Los Rojiblancos targeted Vinicius.
Following the vile behaviour, Atletico Madrid released a statement condemning the act while La Liga have also started to take action as they are filing a complaint with the Anti-Violence Commission.
The racism storm has caught the eye of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as well, who happens to be an Atletico Madrid supporter.
“I’m a big supporter of Atletico Madrid, so I was very sad,” Sanchez said. “And I expected a strong message from the clubs against this kind of behaviour. This is what I will ask of my team.”
“I think it’s important that the soccer clubs take seriously this kind of behavior and react,” Sanchez added.
There have been calls for a stadium ban to be handed to Atletico Madrid following the unsavoury incidents on Sunday night. However, it is unlikely that such an action will be taken. The Rojiblancos could, however, be hit with a fine after the behaviour from their fans.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
