Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, who plays for Real Madrid, caused a stir after his statements in which he called for the 2030 World Cup to be withdrawn from Spain if the European country does not see an improvement in combating racism.
Vinicius, a candidate for the Golden Ball, said in an interview with CNN that “the World Cup should be withdrawn from Spain if the situation with racism does not improve there before 2030.”
The Brazilian star’s statements angered the Spanish national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, who stressed that “Spain is not racist, and is an example of coexistence, respect, and integration. An example that many people should look up to.”
Vinicius Junior’s statements did not please the mayor of Madrid, who asked him to apologize and correct the mistake. He added, “When there is racism, we will all be on his side, but he will not have us all on his side when he says that we are racists.”
The statements did not stop there, but Vinicius Junior’s colleague at Real Madrid and captain of the Spanish national team, Dani Carvajal, said that Spain is not a racist country, but rather a culturally diverse country, also confirming his country’s worthiness to host the 2030 World Cup.
While acknowledging the extent of the Brazilian international’s suffering with racism in football stadiums, Carvajal pointed out that “the Spanish league is improving, and is evaluating its anti-racism protocols so that it does not allow players to be insulted for any reason.”
For and against
The “Networks” program monitored – in its episode dated (9/5/2024) – some of the tweeters’ comments on the Brazilian star’s statements, which sparked widespread controversy on virtual platforms.
In this context, Amer says, “Vini (Vinicius) has always been the person who has been subjected to the most vicious campaigns, neither by the Spanish media nor by the fans, with or without reason.” He added, “He was appointed as an ambassador by FIFA, meaning he has the right to speak as he wants without being insulted, and that is exactly what he did.”
Abu Turki tried to hold the stick from the middle by saying, “I think Vinicius’ statement was too rash. He could have criticized the action and the group that did it without referring to withdrawing the World Cup and other things!”
He continued, “Now a new door of hostility has been opened for him with the Spanish press and the Spanish people as well. Florentino Perez (Real Madrid president) must intervene immediately.”
An account named “Sora” criticized the Brazilian international’s statements, saying, “So Madrid stood with you and Perez was your councilor and they always issue a statement defending you, and then you come and make a statement about Spain, or even before the Ballon d’Or ceremony?! This mentality is impossible.”
In the same context, Sarah Ali blamed the Real Madrid star and his actions on the green rectangle, saying, “Many black players play in Spain but they do not suffer from racism.”
She continued, “The reason is simple, they do not provoke the fans and they play their role as players, unlike what Vinicius does on the field. He provokes the opponents and the fans in an inappropriate way, and what the latter do is a reaction.”
It is worth noting that Vinicius had different experiences with racism while playing with the royal team, especially the famous incident against Valencia, in which the Spanish judiciary ruled to imprison 3 fans of the opposing team for 8 months on charges of racist insults against the Brazilian player.
Last year, the government of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, named an anti-racism law after Vinicius, which stipulates that sporting events will be suspended or cancelled if racist behaviour occurs.