Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr calls for lifetime bans for racist abuse: “They must pay in some way”
Speaking to TV Globo (h/t ESPN), Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has insisted that fans who direct racist abuse towards footballers should be handed lifetime bans from stadiums.
The Brazilian was subjected to racist abuse by a section of Atletico Madrid supporters ahead of the derby last month. The incident occurred outside Atleti’s Civitas Metropolitano Stadium while racist chants continued to be shouted at him during the match.
The Anti-Violence Commission in Spain has issued sanctions against the culprits, but Vinicius Jr has now asked for those involved to be handed lifetime bans so that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
“If you hurt other people, you must pay. It’s hard to say that [racism in soccer] will end with so many people still doing it. But I like to believe that there are more good people than bad.
“All the racist people must pay in some way. If they like to watch soccer, so those Atletico Madrid fans should never be allowed to step foot in a stadium again. That will make them suffer the consequences and reflect on their actions,” he said.
Following the incident, Vinicius earned a huge wave of support from footballing personalities, with the likes of Pele, Ronaldo, Neymar Jr all showing solidarity with the Real Madrid superstar.
Atletico Madrid also condemned the act and confirmed that they will work with authorities to find the persons responsible for the vile act.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
