LaLiga president Javier Tebas has apologized for implying Vinicius Junior was “manipulated” when the Real Madrid winger spoke out against racism in Spain..
The Brazil international took to social media to express his outrage after being abused during Sunday’s game at Valencia, saying it was a problem he had faced all season.
Tebas responded on Twitter, saying, “Before you criticize and insult LaLiga, Vini Jr., you need to educate yourself.” Don’t let yourself be manipulated,” was heavily criticized for failing to address the issue, and the LaLiga president has now apologized.
“I believe that a significant number (of people), particularly in Brazil, did not understand the message and the intention I had,” he told ESPN Brazil.
I didn’t mean to attack Vinicius, but if that’s how most people took it, I owe him an apology. It was not my intention; I expressed myself incorrectly and at an inappropriate time.
But my intention was not to attack Vinicius, but rather to clarify a situation, because Vinicius had recorded a video in support of LaLiga’s actions.”
Tebas defended the league’s approach, particularly in relation to Vinicius, saying, “If I hurt someone, they thought I was racist, which is far from reality.”
“I am sorry for what happened, and that is why we condemned it.” And we didn’t just condemn it; we took special measures at his games.
We spoke with the clubs in order for them to provide more security and identify fans.
Vinicius is looked after by LaLiga. And, if they misinterpreted what happened, I must apologize.”
After being subjected to alleged monkey chants during the second half at the Mestalla, Vinicius threatened to leave the pitch, prompting Real to file a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office.
Valencia were given a five-match stadium ban and fined 45,000 euros (£39,000), a punishment the club described as “totally disproportionate” as they confirmed they would appeal, while head coach Ruben Baraja vowed to fight back against “smears.”
England manager Gareth Southgate has led calls for harsher punishment since his team was on the verge of walking off the field in 2019 after players were subjected to racial abuse during a match in Bulgaria.
It’s a disgusting situation. It appears to be so bad that it will force change. “I’m hoping for a positive outcome,” Southgate said on Wednesday.
“If anyone tells me that we don’t have a problem with racism in society, that’s just another example of what we’re dealing with, and more examples of people burying their heads in the sand, to be honest.”
Hopefully, it’s a story that doesn’t just vanish in 24-48 hours without any significant change.”
Vinicius, whose red card against Valencia on Sunday was overturned, was absent from Real Madrid’s game against Rayo Vallecano due to a minor knee injury, but he was present to see his teammates wear shirts with his number and name on the back before kickoff.
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