Vinicius Jr., the talented Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, has once again fallen victim to a distressing incident of racism. Unfortunately, this is not the first time the 22-year-old has experienced such abuse this season.
In January, prior to the derby against Atlético Madrid, an appalling act took place where an effigy of Vinicius was hung from a bridge in Madrid. Moreover, cameras have captured racist slurs during matches against Osasuna, Mallorca, Real Valladolid, and Atlético.
On Saturday at the Estadio Mestalla, sections of the Valencia crowd directed chants at Vinicius Jr. during the game. The match ended in a 1-0 loss for Real Madrid. The severity of the situation led to a halt in the game for 10 minutes during the 73rd minute.
Clearly outraged, the visibly upset 22-year-old approached the referee, gesturing towards the fans who had subjected him to abuse. Vini was sent off for violent conduct following a confrontation with striker Hugo Duro.
Não foi a primeira vez, nem a segunda e nem a terceira. O racismo é o normal na La Liga. A competição acha normal, a Federação também e os adversários incentivam. Lamento muito. O campeonato que já foi de Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano e Messi hoje é dos racistas. Uma nação…
To all these racial slurs and abuses, Vini tweeted, “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists. A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defense. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
Following this incident, social media has flooded with support and love for Vinicius.
IShowSpeed reaches out to Vinicius Jr. with support amidst racial adversity
Darren Watkins, widely known as “IShowSpeed,” a popular YouTuber and streamer, has taken to Twitter to express his support for Vinicius Jr. in the wake of the racist incidents faced by the Real Madrid star. As a young African-American content creator specializing in soccer-related content, IShowSpeed has been vocal about the racial challenges and discrimination experienced by Black individuals.
In his tweet, he reaffirmed his solidarity with Vinicius Jr. and condemned the racism that continues to affect Black people. By using his platform, IShowSpeed amplifies the importance of unity and addresses the need for change in combating racial prejudice in the sporting community.
Not content with just the tweet, IShowSpeed took further action by privately messaging Vinícius on Instagram. In his message, he expressed a desire to have a brief conversation lasting two minutes with Vinicius, if he had the time. Additionally, IShowSpeed complimented Vinicius, affirming that he considers him the current best left winger in soccer.
IShowSpeed’s actions have prompted numerous fans to criticize La Liga as a whole, with some Twitter users suggesting that such incidents are unique to the league.
Only in LaLiga.. 🤦♂️
— slipz (@shotbyslipz) May 21, 2023
As IShowSpeed holds a prominent position as a Black content creator on YouTube, his fans have rallied behind him, expressing their support and admiration for his courageous stance.
Common speed W
— Jak (@JakTunes69) May 21, 2023
Many fans have commended him for using his platform to address issues of racism and discrimination.
