23 May 2023 , 11:39
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Carlo Ancelotti has spoken of the possibility of Vinicius Junior leaving Spain after the Real Madrid forward suffered a fresh wave of disgusting racist abuse on Sunday and sat out training on Tuesday.
Real Madrid’s match against Valencia was paused by the referee after Vinicius pointed out the supporters who were taunting him with monkey chants to the referee. The Brazil international was visibly on the verge of tears on the pitch and was clearly incensed, with teammates attempting to quell his anger.
Vinicius was later sent off for violent conduct in added time of his side's 1-0 defeat following an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Duro – the first red card of his career. Vinicius struck out at his opponent, who had him in a headlock but escaped punishment following a VAR review.
The 22-year-old 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 futbol, es La Liga" (It is not football, it is LaLiga).
The Brazilian 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."
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He 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."
Carlo Ancelotti has had to defend Vinicius Junior against racist abuse (Getty Images)Ancelotti spoke of the possibility of the Brazil international leaving during his press conference on Tuesday. The Italian dedicated all his questions to speaking about the situation of Vinicius, who is a player in his care who he has defended and attempted to protect amid his being targeted by racism throughout Spain.
"I do not think he will leave," Ancelotti told reporters. "Because he loves football and he loves Real Madrid. His love for the club is great and he wants to have his career here.
"He has not lost hope, no. We will see the suspension he receives, and we will evaluate giving him more or fewer rest days. If he is suspended for two games, then I will give him a week off, to be ready against Athletic Bilbao. And if he is out for just one game then no, he will play against Sevilla."
Ancelotti explained that Vinicius sat out training on Tuesday with knee discomfort, coupled with the fact he is suspended for their clash against Rayo Vallecano – although that sanction could be increased to two games.
"We are all concerned about what has happened," Ancelotti added. "It seems fair to me that this subject is being talked about so much. It is a great opportunity to improve things. Vinicius is sad and he did not train today because he had a little bit of discomfort in his knee. He is suspended for tomorrow... which would open another debate."