Real Madrid News
Vinicius hits out at Tebas, La Liga after racist abuse vs Valencia: “Want actions and punishments”
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr was not only subjected to vocal insults and abuses at Mestalla on Sunday night but also saw an unacceptable straight red card for engaging in a physical tussle. Ironically, however, it was only he who was sanctioned and not the Valencia star who instigated the fight.
An understandably frustrated Vinicius took to his social media after the game to lash out at the repeated instances of hate against him. He specifically targeted La Liga for their incompetence in handling the situation and indirect support for racism.
“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.”
His words for the league only got more sour as his statements went on. The Brazilian had no mercy on the Spanish League and said it was no longer known for the reasons it used to be famous for.
“I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.”
Vinicius’ outrage then shifted target from the Spanish League to the entire Nation of Spain as he called them the ‘exporters’ of racist propaganda.
“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.”
Vinicius Jr ended his social media outrage with a feeling of helplessness in his tone as he spoke about how he was virtually single-handedly fighting off the hate and racism. Yet, he said he refused to give up.
“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.”
In response to the footballer’s long thread against the abuse he faced last night at Mestalla, La Liga president Javier Tebas took to his Twitter to douse the fire. Instead of siding with the victim, however, he once again pushed the blame on the Brazilian saying,
“Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what La Liga can 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.”
He then defended the Spanish League and lashed out at Vini Jr for ‘insulting La Liga’ and ‘being manipulated.’
“Before criticizing and insulting LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly Vinicius. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.”
The Real Madrid starlet did not hold back after Tebas’ unacceptable response. In his quick and curt reply to the president, Vinicius said that Tebas was projecting a pro-racist image of himself and added that discussions would be of no good.
“Once again, instead of criticizing racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social networks to attack me. The image of your championship shakes. Skipping it only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments,” he said as revealed by Arancha Rodriguez.
The scene in Spain does not look pretty. What is known for certain, however, is that the league is now under the most pressure it has ever been to take visible steps against racism. If no solution can be found even after such a dire situation, the Brazilian’s claims might just be true.
Real Madrid will walk down the tunnel of Santiago Bernabeu one last time this season on Sunday night. The men in white are pitted against Athletic Club on their final match-day, and the game will not be an easy affair by any means.
The Basque side sit in seventh place on the league standings with 50 points in 37 appearances. However, their qualification for the UEFA Conference League is in danger with Osasuna lurking close behind with an equal number of points.
Anything less than a win could prove insufficient for the visitors and it is clear that they arrive at Santiago Bernabeu with nothing less than a win on their agenda. Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Athletic Club Bilbao.
1. The end of an era for the number 9 shirt?
The grey area around Karim Benzema’s future has only widened in recent days. From a situation where his continuity at Real Madrid was taken for granted, it did not take long for the Frenchman’s story to enter a steep deviation.
An economically tempting proposal from Saudi Arabia had Benzema seriously contemplating a move away from Santiago Bernabeu, and reports stated that his departure from the Spanish club was close to complete.
The world, thus, looked in anticipation of his next official interaction with the media. The Ballon d’Or winner publicly addressed the topic for the first time earlier this week, and it is safe to say that his words gave nothing away.
Benzema neither confirmed nor completely refuted the rumours of his exit to the media. His situation is balanced on the blade of a knife and could tip in either direction.
In that sense, there is a good chance that tomorrow’s clash at Santiago Bernabeu is Karim Benzema’s final game for Real Madrid. If the striker does choose to change loyalties, it would mark the end of an era for the team’s number nine position.
It has been over a decade since the Frenchman took over the prestigious kit. He has played 647 games for the club so far in his career, scoring a stunning 353 goals in the process. Of them, 98 have been match-winning contributions.
2. A day of farewells
Earlier today, Real Madrid announced the departure of Marco Asensio from the club. The Spanish winger appears set to sign for PSG for the 2023-24 season and will bid adieu on Sunday. However, he will not be the only player playing his final game for the club tomorrow.
Nacho Fernandez has been a critical part of Real Madrid’s success in recent years but is another name close to sealing an exit. The defender is not satisfied with the playing time under his belt at the club and has not yet responded to the renewal offer on his table.
With his contract running out in less than 30 days, he appears closer to leaving than staying. One can expect an announcement from Nacho on Sunday night after the game at the Bernabeu, which could be his final game in white.
The situation with Dani Ceballos is quite similar. The Spanish midfielder is still undecided on his future, although there is still a slight chance he could continue at the club. Staying on the subject of players making their final appearance, however, he could be one on the list.
Away from the stories of incomplete renewal negotiations, Mariano Diaz is one player whose departure from the club is confirmed. Ferland Mendy, Jesus Vallejo, Alvaro Odriozola and Eden Hazard are some of the other candidates well-placed to make departures, although nothing can be said for sure.
3. A tight race for second place
There is not much to play for on Sunday night except for the emotional tag of it being the season’s final game. Yet, the men in white will not be without an objective against Athletic Club.
Los Blancos sit on 77 points in 37 league appearances this season and just have a one-point lead over third-placed Atletico Madrid. Needless to say, they must be vary of their position on the standings for any complacency could see them drop down the ladder.
Diego Simeone’s men take on fifth-placed Villarreal at the same time as Real Madrid’s game against Athletic Club. Even if Carlo Ancelotti’s men settle for a draw against the Basque side, the second place would be Atletico Madrid’s to lose.
With both games kicking off simultaneously, there will be nerves throughout the ninety minutes in Madrid. One can only hope for action-filled games to keep the anxiety and adrenaline high.
