U.S. national team and Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah has offered his support to Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. after the Brazilian was racially abused by Valencia fans during Sunday’s La Liga match.
Fans at the Mestalla Stadium targeted Vinícius during the game, which was suspended for several minutes after the Madrid winger pointed out Valencia supporters who were abusing him.
It was hardly the first time Vinícius has been racially abused this season, which has featured a number of ugly incidents involving the 22-year-old winger.
After the game the Brazil international highlighed the fact that he’s been targeted repeatedly, and that the Spanish authorities have thus far failed to do anything to stop it.
“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga,” he said on Twitter. “The competition thinks it’s normal, the [Spanish Football] Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
“I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi today belongs to racists.”
Musah responds
On Tuesday, the USMNT midfielder issued a message of support for Vinícius on Instagram.
“The incidents that occurred on Sunday, a day which should have been marked by the performance of the team and amazing fans, have been marked by the racist remarks made by the few people, who ultimately ruin it for all. Valencia CF strongly forbids racism,” Musah said.
“My support to @vinijr and all the people who have been and are going through this in their lives. IF YOUR RACIST TO HIM YOU ARE RACIST TO ME!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CslWktxIe4D/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D
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