22 May 2023 , 23:02
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Rio Ferdinand has demanded that Javier Tebas resign after the LaLiga president criticised Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior for calling out racist abuse.
Vinicius was sent off in the closing stages of Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat by Valencia on Sunday night after becoming involved in a heated confrontation in a match marred by racist chanting from the stands. The Brazilian later claimed LaLiga “belongs to the racists” after being subjected to yet another wave of despicable abuse in his workplace.
The 22-year-old has frequently called for a stronger response from the Spanish football authorities, who have failed to curb the problem. The racism row has engulfed LaLiga, but rather than tackle the issue head on, Tebas chose to take a swipe at the victim.
Quote-tweeting Vinicius’ statement on racism, Tebas wrote: “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.
“Before criticising 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.”
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Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand responded: “Just step down now! Disgusting, embarrassing, so out of touch that I can’t actually believe this guy is allowed to write his own social posts.”
Javier Tebas is under enormous pressure after taking aim at Vinicius Junior (Ben McShane/Getty Images)Vinicius has received widespread support from the football community, with Ferdinand joined by the likes of Raphael Varane and Kylian Mbappe in backing him. The Real forward was not phased by Tebas’ unwarranted barb. “Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me,” he tweeted.
“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. Hashtag doesn't move me.”
Vinicius Junior was subjected to racist abuse by Valencia fans (Getty Images)In another post alongside a video showing the amount of racist abuse he has received, Vinicius added: “Every round away from home is an unpleasant surprise. And there were many this season. Death wishes, hanged doll, many criminal screams... All registered.
“But the speech always falls on 'isolated cases', 'a fan'. No, these are not isolated cases. They are continuous episodes spread across several cities in Spain (and even in a television program). The evidence is there in the video. Now I ask: how many of these racists had names and photos exposed on websites? I answer to make it easier: zero. None to tell a sad story or make those fake public apologies.
“What is missing to criminalise these people? And punish clubs sportingly? Why don't sponsors charge La Liga? Don't televisions bother to broadcast this barbarity every weekend? The problem is very serious and communications no longer work. Not blaming me to justify criminal acts either. You are not football, you are inhuman.”