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Vinicius Junior Targeted By Atletico Madrid Fans Days After Issuing Statement On Racism

Vinicius Junior was the subject of racist abuse ahead of Sunday's Madrid derby. A group of Atletico Madrid fans were filmed singing "Vinicius is a monkey".

Robert Summerscales

Vinicius Junior Targeted By Atletico Madrid Fans Days After Issuing Statement On Racism
Vinicius Junior Targeted By Atletico Madrid Fans Days After Issuing Statement On Racism /

Vinicius Junior was the subject of racist abuse ahead of Sunday's Madrid derby.

A group of Atletico Madrid fans were filmed singing "Vinicius is a monkey" outside of the Wanda Metropolitano stadium, while a man was seen holding up a racist doll.

The vile scenes came just days after Real Madrid forward Vinicius called out racism with a strong statement on social media.

A week earlier, Vinicius had been criticized for celebrating a goal against Real Mallorca by dancing.

Vinicius had claimed that members of the Mallorca bench had told players to kick him following his dance, which came after he had scored Real's second goal in a 4-1 win.

Soccer agent Pedro Bravo then said on late night television that if Vinicius wanted to perform Samba dancing when he scored then he should return to Brazil.

Bravo added: "He should be respectful instead of acting like a monkey."

Vinicius hit back by issuing a long statement in the form of a video (see below).

Having already responded with his words, Vinicius made a strong statement with his actions on Sunday night.

After helping to set up Rodrygo's opening goal in Real's 2-1 win over Atletico, he celebrated with a trademark dance.

No.20 Vinicius Junior pictured dancing after Real Madrid teammate (not in shot) scored against Atletico Madrid in September 2022
No.20 Vinicius Junior pictured dancing after Real Madrid teammate (not in shot) scored against Atletico Madrid :: IMAGO/AgenciaLOF/Jorge Ropero

Vinicius Junior's Social Media Statement In Full

"'While the color of skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war.' I have this phrase tattooed on my body. I have this thought permanently in my head. That is the attitude and philosophy that I try to put into practice in my life. They say happiness annoys [them]. The happiness of a black Brazilian victorious in Europe annoys them much more.

"But my desire to win, my smile and the brightness of my eyes are much bigger than that. You cannot even imagine it. I was victim of xenophobia and racism in a single statement. But none of that started yesterday.

"A few weeks ago they began to criminalize my dances. Dances that are not mine. They are from Ronaldinho, Neymar, Paqueta, Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha… they are funk artists, Brazilian sambistas, from Reggaeton artists, and from black Americans. They are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. Accept it, respect it. I will not stop.

"I come from a country where there is a great amount of poverty, where the people don't have access to educations… and in many cases, not even food on the table. I don't tend to come out publicly to address criticism. They attack me and I don't speak. They praise me and I don't speak either. I work! I work a lot.

"On and off the pitch. I have developed an app to help the education of children in public schools without any financial help from anyone. I am building a school in my name. I will do much more for education. I want the next generations to be prepared, as I was, to fight against racists and xenophobes.

"I always try to be a professional and an exemplary citizen. But that does not attract clicks, it is not the trend on the internet, nor does it motivate the cowards to speak aggressively about people that they don't even know.

"The plot always ends the with an apology and a 'they misinterpreted me'. But I repeat to you, racist: 'I will not stop dancing. No matter if it is at the Sambadromo, at the Bernabeu or wherever it may be.'

"With love and the smiles of someone who is very happy."

Published
Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.

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