Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his disappointment with La Liga for their inadequate response to the racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior during a match against Valencia.
Despite the game being paused at one point due to the abuse, it was not suspended. In a further blow, Vinicius was sent off for slapping an opponent during stoppage time. Ancelotti’s criticism of La Liga highlights the need for stronger action against racism in football and the importance of protecting players from such unacceptable behavior.
WHAT HAPPENED? The Real Madrid winger was abused by a section of Valencia fans during Los Blancos’ La Liga clash at the Mestalla on Sunday. The referee halted play after Vinicius pointed out the perpetrators, but didn’t suspend the game — something Ancelotti took issue with after the final whistle.
WHAT THEY SAID: “You have to stop the game,” Ancelotti said in a post-match press conference. “You can’t continue, it’s impossible. I told the referee that I was going to substitute him. I’m very sad, I had never thought of removing a player because they insulted him. The only thing he wants is to play football, he is not angry, but sad.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos also spoke on the abuse his teammate regularly receives, with eight complaints having already been filed this season: “Vinicius is being disrespected in all stadiums in Spain. You have to protect him. We can’t go on like this. The manager has asked him if he wanted to continue playing.”
Vinicius stayed in the game, but was subsequently a central part of a scuffle that took place at the end of the fixture. He was sent off for slapping Hugo Duro in the middle of the confrontations.
WHAT NEXT? Real Madrid continue their La Liga campaign next week when they host mid-table Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu. As things stand, Vinicius will be suspended for that fixture.