23 May 2023 , 08:36
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Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista has defended his own fans after Valencia supporters shouted racist abuse at Vinicius Jr during their game against Real Madrid on Sunday.
The match was temporarily paused after Vinicius pointed out some fans who were taunting him with 'monkey chants' to the referee. The Brazilian was visibly on the verge of tears and was clearly unhappy, with his team-mates attempting to calm him down.
Vinicius was then involved in a melee which saw him grabbed around the neck before being sent off himself for violent conduct as Los Blancos fell to a 1-0 defeat.
However, while many strongly condemned the section of Valencia supporters, following the full-time whistle, Gabriel, who was suspended for the match, posted an image of the home crowd captioned with the quote: "Mestalla, you're the best".
Gabriel Paulista has defended his own fans (Getty Images)As for Vinicius, he took to Instagram after the match to post a story stating: "The racists have won their prize - I was sent-off." He then used the league's promotional slogan against them: "No es fútbol, es La Liga" (It is not football, it is La Liga).
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He then went further, writing in an emotional tweet: "It (the racism) was not the first time, not the second time, not the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it's normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it. I am so sorry."
Vinicius added: "In Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists." Vinicius then went on to hint that such was the abuse, he may consider leaving Spanish football: "I will go all the way against racists. Even if far from here."
Vinicius Junior was subjected to racist abuse by Valencia fans (Getty Images)Astonishingly, LaLiga's president Javier Tebas replied: "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 Vinicius. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other's competencies and the work we have been doing together."
Rio Ferdinand later said on Instagram: "Bro you need protecting... who is protecting Vini Jr in Spain? He receives a red card after being choked and receiving racial abuse during the game... wtf [what the f***]?
"How many times do we need to see this young man subjected to this s***? I see pain, I see disgust, I see him needing help... and the authorities don't do s*** to help him.
"People need to stand together and demand more from the authorities that run our game. No one deserves this, yet you are allowing it. There needs to be a unified approach to this otherwise it will be swept under the carpet AGAIN."