Raphinha sends a supporting message to Vinicius Jr. Raphinha, a winger for Barcelona, expressed his admiration for Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. During Los Blancos’ most recent 1-0 loss to Valencia at the Mestalla, Vinicius was the target of abhorrent racist taunts from the crowd.
In that game, he was also dismissed, a choice that has subsequently been reversed. The way the young player was treated during the game shocked the football community. Raphinha has now sided with his fellow countryman.
Raphinha removed his shirt upon his substitution in Barcelona’s 3-1 loss to Valladolid, revealing a message that read (translator via GOAL): “There will be war as long as the hue of the skin predominates over the radiance of the eyes.”
It is quite bad that such treatment is being meted out to a skilled attacker like Vinicius. One can only hope that appropriate steps will be taken moving forward to stop such events.
Vinicius Junior has received more encouragement from Barcelona manager Xavi:
Despite Real Madrid and Barcelona’s rivalry, racism is a problem that goes beyond football. When discussing the Vinicius scenario in his pre-game press conference versus Real Valladolid, Xavi expressed a similar viewpoint.
The Spaniard asserted that the only occupation in which insults are tolerated is football. He asserted that such instances call for the termination of matches. Xavi said: “Stopping matches is a good idea. Only in this business are insults tolerated. No teachers or bakers appear to have experienced insults at work. All of this needs to stop. Try to belittle a construction worker. A brick will undoubtedly land on your head.”
He further added: “What clothing you wear is irrelevant. Vinicius is a person first and a football player second. We must stand up for the professional football player. As a person and a citizen, I find it incomprehensible that you must endure insults.”
Fortunately, despite La Liga’s lack of response, Vinicius is receiving backing from all corners of the league.
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