LaLiga president Javier Tebas on Wednesday apologised for a tweet about Vinícius Júnior he said was misinterpreted, and said that the Spanish federation ought to be doing more to combat racism because the league does not currently have that authority.
“I always tell this to my entire work team. When people or an important part of them understand a message in a certain way, then they are right so I have to be sorry because I think my message was not understood, especially in Brazil,” Tebas told ESPN Brasil. “So, I have to be sorry because I think my message and the intent with which I wrote it, an important part of it was not understood, especially in Brazil.
“Because my intent was not to attack Vinicius, but rather to clarify that Vinicius just one month ago made a video supporting the actions of LaLiga [against racism].”
Repeated racist abuse against Vinicius has unleashed a heated debate in Spain about tolerance for racism.
The LaLiga match at Mestalla between Real Madrid and Valencia was stopped during the second half after the Brazil international identified a fan in the crowd behind the Valencia goal as having racially abused him.
In social media posts after Sunday’s game, Vinicius said that “racism is normal in LaLiga” and claimed that “in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.”
Tebas responded to Vinicius’ criticism in a Twitter exchange.”
Neither Spain nor LaLiga are racist,” Tebas said. “It is very unfair to say that. At LaLiga we denounce and tackle racism with all the toughness within our powers.”
Tebas on Wednesday blasted the Spanish federation (RFEF) for not doing more and said that if LaLiga had the authority to take action inside the stadiums, the problem of racist and anti-gay chanting “would be resolved within months.”
Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales, on Monday admitted that Spain has a racism problem and called for sanctions and punishment for the fans involved. The RFEF on Wednesday said that Valencia’s south stand will be partially closed for five matches and also fined the club while rescinding Vinicius’ red card. (ABC)