Atletico Madrid man insists Spain is not a racist country and amid Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior's racism row
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has insisted that Spain is not a racist country in the midst of the racism row involving Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Spanish football has come under fire for the issue of racism that reared its ugly head once again at the weekend. Los Blancos' Vinicius was the target of Valencia fans during a 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla. The Brazilian had monkey chants directed his way and pointed that out to the referee throughout the game.
However, it was Vinicius who was sent off in the 90+6th minute for an altercation with Valencia's Hugo Doro. The Real Madrid attacker looked upset and tearful at one stage as the vile chants got to him.
Atleti manager Simeone has acknowledged that although racism is a problem, he doesn't think Spain is a racist country (via El Chiringuito TV):
“Spain is not a racist country. It is a social issue that must be taken care of, but it is not a racist country.”
The forward took to social media after the game against Valencia, vowing to fight against the racists. The Real Madrid forward also said that Spain is a country full of 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 am sorry for the Spaniards who do not agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists."
The Brazilian arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Flamengo in 2018. He has quickly emerged as one of Real Madrid's protagonists and has excelled this season.
However, he has been targeted by rival fans, and the issue is now being called out by many of his peers. Brazilian teammates Neymar and Casemiro have urged Spanish authorities to do more.
Atletico's Alvaro Morata urged for more action against racism amid Real Madrid's Vinicius being targeted
Atleti forward Alvaro Morata wants lifetime bans handed out to fans who racially abuse players during matches. The Spaniard spoke to ESPN in February about the issue:
"It's unacceptable and inexplicable. It should never have a place in football. The first time a person does that in a stadium, he should be banned for life because many times people go to watch a sporting event often with children."
Morata continued by pointing out that although Vinicius seems to be the main target, it's a problem that's regularly occurring in Spanish football:
"These (episodes of racist chants and insults) are not just happening to Vinicius. Perhaps it always feels as though it happens to him because he is in the media limelight but no. ... These (insults) happen every Sunday in each stadium."
These words came a month removed from Atleti fans hanging a doll of Vinicius from a bridge near Valdebebas. Four people have been arrested for the incident, with Spanish authorities seemingly eager to put an end to the disgraceful issue.