'Stay strong and enjoy your game' - Fans rally in support as Vinicius Jr. pens down emotional note following racist chants in La Liga

Vinicius Jr (Source: Twitter)

The repeated racist attacks against Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr in La Liga came to light once again during his team's 1-0 loss to Valencia on Sunday (May 21). The Brazilian international was subjected to racist chants from the stands, prompting him to issue an emotional but strong statement in which he stated that the Spanish league "belongs to racists."

The encounter at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium was abruptly halted in the second-half owing to these heinous racist insults. Vini Jr. called out the supporters and then got into an altercation with opposition players, leading to his dismissal in the second half. Following the incident, a stern announcement was issued over the loudspeakers, stating that "racist behavior from certain spectators would not be tolerated."

The incident was clearly described in the match referee's official report. "Racist insults: in the 73rd minute, a spectator from the southern ‘Mario Kempes’ tribune directed himself towards player No. 20 of Real Madrid CF Mr. Vinicius José De Oliveira Do Nascimiento, screaming at him: ‘Monkey, monkey’ which led to the activation of the racism protocol, notifying the pitch delegate so that a corresponding warning over the loudspeaker would be made. The match was halted until said announcement was aired over the loudspeaker of the stadium," it reads.

La Liga today belongs to racists: Vini Jr.

In response to the continuing racist attacks, Vini Jr. took to Instagram and wrote an emotional post with powerful wordings that read, "Racism is normal in La Liga". The 22-year-old also said the tournament that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi now belongs to racists.

"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 Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I'm so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists."

"A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which accepted to export to the world the image of a racist country. I am sorry for those Spaniards who disagree but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. I am strong and I will go all the way against the racists. Even if it is far away from here," he added.

Here's how fans reacted to Vini Jr's social media post: 

The pain in that statement he put out💔

— Ruth Kagimba (@RuthieKay5) May 22, 2023

All eyes on the bests. Does how it goes. You need to stay strong and enjoy ⚽️

— Koo Bibini (@eberfawo) May 21, 2023

the spanish government has to intervene at this point, its getting out of hand under that fraud Tebass.

— - (@lfckaran) May 21, 2023

VINI GO WHERE YOU ARE APPRECIATED 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

— GreenSahara (@GreenSahara3737) May 21, 2023

FIFA should implement serious punishments for racism such as bans, point deductions, closed games etc. The media should stop talking about it.

Once you punish financially, suddenly the clubs and leagues will take it upon themselves to address the situation and attempt to fix it

— King (@CRonaldoV2) May 21, 2023

1 thing is , this guy has never “disrespected” anyone who “reciprocated” his respect..🫡

— Ger_Rald (@MainePharma) May 21, 2023

Sad but true 💔

— French 🇫🇷 (@Mc_Phils) May 21, 2023

I stand with him “ Say no to racism “

— Omega X D  LP (@OmegaXDreams) May 21, 2023

Never give up, keep going, and show the racists that it didn't affect you.

— Islam Uddin (@Coach_iu) May 21, 2023