Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has thrown his support behind Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr was subjected to awful racist abuse from Valencia supporters in Real’s La Liga clash on Sunday night and yet, he ended up getting sent off when his frustration understandably boiled over.
The Brazilian winger has been standing up for himself and called for change in La Liga, amid a failure among the Spanish authorities to tackle the abuse.
Now his former Real Madrid teammate Casemiro has spoken out.
Casemiro backs Vinicius Jr
Casemiro won the Champions League five times with Real Madrid and his words carry a lot of power to them.
In sticking up for his former club mate and current international teammate, the Manchester United star struck exactly the right tone.
Casemiro said: “I feel disappointed and very sad to see, ashamed, how episodes of racism with my teammate Vinícius Junior are repeated.
“We cannot continue to tolerate this problem that transcends sport, affects all of society and goes unpunished. Public condemnation is not enough, punishment is needed.
“La Liga must urgently take exemplary measures, because these repeated incidents of racism tarnish the image not only of Spanish football, but also of the whole of world football. And the feeling must be unanimous: zero tolerance!!!!”
Vinicius Jr responded to the message, writing: “Thank you, Case!”
Rio Ferdinand on Vinicius Jr
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand voiced his anger last night at seeing the events unfold.
He wrote on Instagram: “Bro you need protecting….who is protecting @vinijr in Spain ??
“He receives a red card after being choked and receiving racial abuse during the game….wtf
How many times do we need to see this young man subjected to this ___?? I see pain, I see disgust, I see him needing help…and the authorities don’t do ___ to help him.
“People need to stand together and demand more from the authorities that run our game. No one deserves this, yet you are allowing it. There needs to be a unified approach to this otherwise it will be swept under the carpet AGAIN.”
The disgraceful incident has caused outcry across the game and the eyes of the world are on La Liga to see how they handle it. If they cannot, then the reputation of the Spanish league will be stained.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
