Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid, believes that the Spanish league has a racism problem, and Vinicius, a talented young player, is not to blame for it. Instead, he is a victim of the problem. The events that occurred on Sunday, said Ancelotti, were not unusual, but the seriousness of the matter was unacceptable.

By Staff Reporter

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, has expressed his concern regarding the racist treatment that Vinicius Jr. has been subjected to, emphasizing that it is a matter that affects the entire football community in Spain.

The 22-year-old Brazilian forward has had to deal with fans’ harsh and unjustified anger on not one, not two, but three separate occasions so far this season.

During Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Real, it was reported that Mallorca supporters were caught on camera engaging in what appears to be racial abuse directed towards Vinicius Jr.

“Vinicius is the victim of something that I don’t understand. It must be solved. It seems that the problem is Vinicius, and it is not like that,” Ancelotti told bbc.com.

On his personal Instagram account, Vinicius Jr. posted a story saying, “The prize that racists won was my expulsion! ‘This isn’t football, this is LaLiga.’”

The Real Madrid player then posted a longer statement on his Twitter: “It was not 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 [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.

“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. 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 fight to the end against racists. Even if that is far from here.”

In September, a bunch of Atletico Madrid fans sang extremely offensive racist songs directed at Vinicius. The club immediately denounced the conduct, describing it as “completely unacceptable.”

Nevertheless, despite the Spanish prosecutors’ diligent attempts, the inquiry was eventually terminated three months later because the perpetrators could not be identified.

Vinicius made a bold statement in December, urging La Liga to take swift action against the despicable behaviour of racist fans who attended games. This call to action came after he was subjected to verbal racist abuse during a victorious 2-0 match against Real Valladolid.

“Racists keep going to games and watching the greatest club in the world up close and La Liga continues to do nothing,” said Vinicius after the nasty episode.

Following the incident, La Liga issued a statement indicating they had taken the necessary steps to bring charges against the responsible parties through the “relevant judicial, administrative and sporting bodies”.

During the same month of September, a panellist on a popular Spanish football program made a rather unsavoury remark about Vinicius’ post-goal celebrations, likening his actions to those of a monkey. This comment quickly ignited a firestorm on social media, with many interpreting it as a racially charged attack.

The panellist, Pedro Bravo, who was responsible for the offence, subsequently explained his use of the term “monkey” via Twitter, stating that he intended to characterise Vinicius as “doing stupid things”.

“I want to clarify that the expression ‘playing the monkey’ that I have misused to qualify Vinicius’ goal celebration dance was done metaphorically. Since my intention was not to offend anyone, I sincerely apologize. I am sorry!”

Vinicius issued a video statement in reaction to the derogatory and discriminatory remark, asserting his unwavering commitment to continue celebrating through dancing and highlighting the discomfort that the success of a black Brazilian in Europe may cause for certain individuals.

“They say that happiness bothers. The happiness of a victorious black Brazilian in Europe bothers me much more. But my desire to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that.

“I was a victim of xenophobia and racism in a single statement. They are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. Accept it, respect it. I’m not going to stop.

“I always try to be a professional and an exemplary citizen. But that doesn’t click, it’s not trending on the internet, nor does it motivate cowards to talk aggressively about people they don’t even know.

“The script always ends with an apology and ‘I’ve been misunderstood.’ But I repeat it for you, racist: I will not stop dancing. Whether at the Sambadrome, at the Bernabeu or wherever.”

In January, an effigy of Vinicius was hung from a bridge close to Real’s training facility. Following the hanging of the effigy, an investigation into a hate crime was initiated. The effigy, which was adorned in Vinicius Jr’s No. 20 jersey, was suspended in front of the training facility of Real Madrid, the team for which the player competes.

Additionally, a 16-meter banner in the colours of Atletico Madrid, a rival team, was displayed, bearing the message “Madrid hates Real”. On Tuesday (22 May), Spanish authorities apprehended four men concerning the incident.

Additional reporting by reuters.com, cnn.com and bbc.com