“I hope that Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the colour of their skin. Until 2030, we have a lot of room for evolution. So I hope that Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the colour of their skin, because if in 2030 things don’t evolve, I think we have to change the venue (for the World Cup, editor’s note), because if the player doesn’t feel comfortable and doesn’t feel safe playing in a country where he can suffer racism, it’s a bit complicated.” These were the words of Vinicius Junior during an interview with CNNbroadcast on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday.
Although the Brazilian also put things into perspective – “I want to do everything I can to change things, because there are many people in Spain, the majority even, who are not racist. It is a small group that ends up affecting the image of a country in which it is very good to live” – his remarks are going down very badly in Spain. On social networks, thousands of users have attacked the Brazilian, including many Madrid supporters. “A majority cannot pay for a minority. I love Vini, but things would go better for him if he reviewed some of his behaviors. Vinicius does not live the daily life, in the street. He has lived racist episodes, but Spanish society is not racist.”for example, launched the former player of Equatorial Guinean origin of Real Madrid and consultant for The Beach Bar Javier Balboa.
Spanish football defends Spain
“Spain is not a racist country. There may be a minority of racists, who must pay for what they do, but we cannot generalise. From there to taking away a World Cup from a country, that is inappropriate”Villarreal defender Raul Albiol got carried away. “Why aren’t there any problems with the other players in his team? It’s a shame he says Spain is racist. Vinicius must ask for forgiveness”for his part launched the Brazilian Donato, legend of Deportivo de la Corogne.
It must be said that even Dani Carvajal wanted to put his teammate back in his place during a press conference for the Spanish national team: “I don’t think Spain should be deprived of the World Cup, even if there is a small group of people who should be eliminated. We are a country with great cultural diversity. I grew up in a neighbourhood in Leganés with people of many different nationalities, and I can boast that Spain is not a racist country at all.”. Iberian coach Luis de la Fuente was also very clear when asked about this: “I’m going to be frank: Spain is not racist. Spain is an example of coexistence, respect and integration that should be admired by all. That there are undesirables? Yes, of course, and we must improve on that, but I insist, Spain is not racist and is an example for many countries.”. The message got through.
