Last weekend saw another shameful episode for La Liga and football in Spain as racism reared its ugly head once again in a match involving Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr.
Trailing 0-1 to home side Valencia on Sunday, the incredibly talented Brazilian winger was subject to racist abuse from Valencia fans.
He was understandably furious and pointed to the racists who targeted him. However, no action was taken and they remained in the stadium.
The 22-year-old was then sent off late in the game following a scuffle with one of the players from the home side. Incredibly, VAR failed to show the fact there was an arm put around his throat as he slapped out. The red card was eventually rescinded.
The VAR official Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva was stood down for a midweek game he was due to be on VAR duty for according to multiple websites.
Sadly, it’s been a continuous wave of racist aimed at Vinicius Jr. during the last couple of seasons in La Liga. According to CNN, it has been reported on ten separate occasions in stadiums throughout Spain. Vinicius Jr. has shown incredible courage not to walk off the pitch in spite of it all.
Lewis Hamilton was asked about it during media day at the Monaco Grand Prix on Thursday afternoon.
The seven-time World Champion and the sport’s most successful ever driver is sadly no stranger to receiving racist abuse since he was a youngster.
Photo credit: Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
The 38-year-old outlined the abuse he has received during races in Italy, France and Spain. Ever since Hamilton’s maiden season in Formula 1 when he took on and beat Fernando Alonso in the same car, the Brit has faced a lot of racism on Spanish soil like Vinicius Jr.
“It’s devastating to think that in 2023 we’re still seeing and hearing these things. It really hits home for me.
“It really brings up emotions and things that I experienced, whether it was back in the UK or when I was racing in Italy or in France or in Spain. It can be so hurtful the things people say.”
Hamilton also praised Vinicius Jr. and other football players who continue to play and hold their heads up high despite the experiences they’ve faced from racists in the stands.
“Firstly, I think he’s been incredibly brave. I think it’s amazing what so many of these people that are experiencing it on the pitch are doing. They’re standing tall, standing strong, continuing to be humble in their approach, not being reactive but being responsible when they’re moving forwards because they know there is a lot of young kids watching.
“I think there is no room for discrimination in society today. Sports need to do more, we all need to continue to do more. If we see it, hear it, we need to do something about it.”
The question is: when will there be proper punishment for people who shout racist words or make racist gestures at sporting events or in general life every single day? The wait continues.
