Vinicius Jnr blasts LaLiga president Javier Tebas after red card having reacted to racist abuse

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr has slammed LaLiga president Javier Tebas for his failure to deal with racism in the Spanish top-flight after he was sent off for reacting to abuse during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday.

The 22-year-old winger was subjected to racist chants before and during the game, and reacted by lashing out at Hugo Duro during a melee in added time.

Despite appearing to be put in a headlock before striking his opponent, Vinicius Jnr was the only player sent off following the incident, and was visibly upset as he left the pitch, looking up the stands with tears in his eyes.

It is not the first time he has been targeted by racist abuse this season, and the Brazilian took to Twitter afterwards to declare that Spanish football has reached a new low after previously having a league that was the envy of Europe.

‘It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga,’ he claimed.

 Vinicius Jr slammed LaLiga president Javier Tebas for his failure to deal with racism 

But LaLiga president Javier Tebas hit back at him and urged him to ‘inform himself properly’

The Real Madrid star then blasted Tebas in a stinging response, insisting the time for words was over as he demanded that action be taken

Vinicius Jr appeared to point out a fan that was directing racist abuse at him during the game

Warning: Offensive language in the videos below 

‘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 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 defense. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.’

It did not take long for Tebas to respond to Vinicius Jr’s comments, as the president hit back on social media by claiming the winger had failed to turn up to multiple meetings to discuss the issue.

‘Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what it can do @LaLiga in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself,’ he replied.

‘Before criticising and insulting @LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly @Vinijr. 

There was a melee in added time and Vinicius Jr struck an opponent in the face

He was shown a red card despite appearing to be put in a headlock by his opponent 

Vinicius Jr was visibly upset as he left the pitch after being subjected to racist abuse again

‘Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together.’

Vinicius Jr was clearly incensed by Tebas’ response, and blasted him in a stinging response, insisting the time for words was over as he demanded that action be taken against racist fans. 

‘Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me. 

‘As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken. See the responses to your posts and have a surprise… Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. 

‘I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtag doesn’t move me.’

Vinicius Jr has had to put up with racism from rival fans on numerous occasions this season, with arguably the most high-profile incident coming when his team faced arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in September.

Atletico supporters allegedly called him a ‘monkey’ when the sides faced each other at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, but a Spanish prosecutor later concluded that the chants ‘did not constitute a crime’ as they ‘lasted only a few seconds’.

Vinicius Jr was targeted by further racist chants from Valladolid fans in January, and Mallorca and Osasuna supporters the following month, leading to LaLiga filing complaints to the courts, with Atletico forward Alvaro Morata calling for those responsible to be banned for life from attending matches.

Rio Ferdinand called for the talented forward to be protected after seeing the distressing scenes at the Mestalla on Sunday night.

‘Bro you need protecting… who is protecting @Vinijr in Spain??’ he questioned.

‘He receives a red card after being choked and receiving racial abuse during the game… wtf.

‘How many times do we need to see this young man subjected to this s***? I see pain, I see disgust, I see him needing help… and the authorities don’t do s*** to help him.

Brazilian icon Ronaldo was one of several former players to leap to the defence of Vinicius Jr 

‘People need to stand together and demand more from the authorities that run our game. No one deserves this yet you are allowing it. There needs to be a unified approach to this otherwise it will be swept under the carpet AGAIN.’

Brazilian icon Ronaldo, who lit up LaLiga in the early part of the 21st century, also gave his backing to Vinicius Jr, assuring him he is on his side in the fight against racism.

‘Once again an episode of racism at @laLiga. Again with the @Vinijr. Until when?’ he posted on social media. 

‘As long as there is impunity and connivance, there will be racism. It is unacceptable that referees, the Federation and authorities are also without action and that fans applaud such an absurd amount. Enough. Vini, count on me in your fight. In our fight.’