I am aware that I have written a post on racism before (https://www.nicklieberthal.com/blog/politics-racism-in-sport-a-worrying-trend) but seeing someone breaking down over it is a whole different matter. Scrolling through various sporting headlines, this one grabbed my attention because of the subject matter. Vinicius Jr. (Vini Jr.), 23 years old, seems to constantly be on the receiving end of racist abuse by fans.
It was the international break this past week and Vini Jr. was playing his trade for Brazil. It was during this that he was interviewed. While not suffering through it on the international stage, it's constant torture while playing in Spain. He has found it difficult to stay positive while this happens. He stated, “I just want to play football, but it’s hard to move forward … I feel less and less like playing,” Despite all this, he has boldly said that he has no plans on leaving Spain. This is because he believes that that it will give the racists exactly what they want.
La Liga - the Spanish league - are carefully studying and analysing all the facts. This relates to a racist comment directed at him during a recent match against Valencia. There have also been a series of racist chants being made. An instance includes an effigy of the Brazilian being hanged from a bridge before his side’s clash against city rival Atlético Madrid in January 2023. It's atrocious that chants were caught on camera in games against Osasuna, Mallorca, Real Valladolid and Atlético.
In spite of all this, Vini Jr. has stressed that he's under the belief that Spain is by no means a racist country. He has also stated that consequences need to happen to the individuals responsible. In addition, since his initial complaint, it has gotten worse and worse. His family gets sad whenever this occurs.
The reaction to this by the media has been mixed. His peers have backed him . Many in other countries have also backed him. However, the La Liga president, Javier Tebas, believes that it's Vini Jr.'s own fault for the actions. This is due to his lack of cooperation into assisting the league in fighting the racism. However, Tebas was forced to retract his statement to ESPN Brazil stating, “It was not my intention, I expressed myself badly, at a bad time.”
Troy Townsend, head of player engagement at British anti-racism organization, Kick It Out, has expressed his sympathy for Vini Jr.. He wrote on X, "All I see is unbelievable strength from a young man visibly hurt by the continuous targeted racial abuse. This is what it does … and yet the game shys away every time.” Former England and Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, took to social media to write, "I know there is RACISM in the [Spanish] stadiums there & it seems to be accepted by the authorities for some reason??? To see a young man break down in a press conference like @vinijr is heartbreaking to see."
I have to admire Vini Jr.'s mental strength. Any other young sportsman might have turned around and run for the hills. Vini Jr. has remained strong and resiliant among the personal attacks. We should all take and lead by his example: stay strong amid personal struggles.