"Count on me in your fight; in our fight" - Ronaldo Nazario sends a message of support of Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr after racism incident
Real Madrid and Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has come out in support of Vinicius Junior after he faced racial abuse yet again on Sunday, May 21.
The incident occurred during Los Blancos' La Liga clash against Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium. Diego Lopez opened the scoring for the hosts in the first minute. Vinicius, meanwhile, was racially abused by Valencia fans during the game.
He responded angrily to it and also alerted the referee about it, leading the game to come to a brief pause. However, the racist chants didn't stop and a fight broke out between Valencia and Real Madrid players.
The Brazilian winger found himself in a chokehold for a few minutes but was the only one sent off in second-half stoppage-time for his retaliation.
After the game, the entire footballing world came out in support of Vinicius, including his compatriot and legend Ronaldo Nazario. The former striker wrote on his Instagram:
“Once again an episode of racism in La Liga. As long as there is impunity, there’ll be racism. Unacceptable that refs, RFEF, authorities are left without action and that fans applaud such absurdity. It’s enough. Vini, count on me in your fight. In our fight.”
This isn't the first time Vinicius has faced such abuse this season in La Liga. There have been multiple cases of racism in and outside the stadium from opposition fans.
Some Atletico Madrid fans even hung an effigy of the Real Madrid star off of a bridge ahead of the Madrid derby in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals in January this year.
Real Madrid's Vinicius slams La Liga president Javier Tebas
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has suffered multiple cases of racist abuse throughout this campaign. He has also raised his voice each time, slamming La Liga for their lack of strict action. The winger did the same after the game against Valencia.
However, La Liga president Javier Tebas blamed the 22-year-old winger instead, as he tweeted:
"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 added:
"Before criticizing and insulting @LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly @Vinijr. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other's competencies and the work we have been doing together."
The Brazilian, though, responded by saying:
"Once again, instead of criticizing 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."
Mais uma vez, em vez de criticar racistas, o presidente da LaLiga aparece nas redes sociais para me atacar.
Por mais que você fale e finja não ler, a imagem do seu campeonato está abalada. Veja as respostas do seus posts e tenha uma surpresa...
Omitir-se só faz com que você se… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
As per a report by TJ Cope, a couple of fans, who were involved in the racial abuse, have been identified and will be presented in court.