03 June 2023 , 13:21
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Casemiro believes Vinicius Junior could leave Real Madrid and join a Premier League club due to the issue of racism in Spanish football.
Last month, Real Madrid’s match against Valencia was paused 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 red card and suspension were subsequently overturned.
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."
Vinicius Junior has regularly been the target of racist abuse in La Liga (Getty Images)Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has now spoken on the incident, claiming that his international teammate – whom he played alongside for three seasons at Real Madrid – could leave Spanish football over the ongoing racist abuse in stadiums.
“I am glad that he is at Real Madrid,” Casemiro told TNTSports in Brazil, as per Marca, before adding: “But it would not surprise me if he wanted to leave, that he wanted to move to another league where there is a fight against racism.
“Here (in England), for example, is an option. If you look at it, they must do what is good for La Liga to fix it – not only for Vinicius, but for all of the players. Because it is a cultural issue that is very ugly.”
Casemiro added: “It is an issue of culture and education. I thought it was great what Vinicius did (pointing out the racist fans). He was very sad and I know how much that impacts him. But it is good to be honest and it is not the first time that Vinicius has been targeted.”
He continued: “It bothers us that there are still people like that. It is not the first time that Vinicius has complained, he complaints a lot. I think that La Liga has to take measures, because they can’t lose a player like that.”
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti does not believe Vinicius will leave the club. "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."