Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has had to endure a torrid season of racial abuse that would be enough to sink many players, but he has instead catalysed action on the matter.
La Liga have asked for more powers to punish racial abuse, and the sentences are gradually getting harsher, even if many would argue they are a long way from sufficient still. However the legal defence of one of those who were caught abusing Vinicius at Mestalla shows just how far there is to go.
During the match against Valencia, Vinicius pointed out several members of the crowd who he saw making monkey noises and gestures.
Three younger Valencia fans were arrested, and are now facing charges in court. As reported by Diario AS, the defence that one of their lawyer’s Manuel Izquierdo put forward, is scarcely believable.
“My client is charged with a hate crime for scratching his armpits,” he said of the monkey gestures.
“It is not a problem of racism. Vinicius has a problem with manners, he has a cocky attitude.”
Izquierdo’s attitude is typical of some of the victim blaming that has taken place during racial incidents this season. He also felt that his client had been treated unfairly by Valencia, who have taken away his membership and banned him for life.
“[They did so] without allowing my client to give his version or defend himself.”
“I am outraged with Valencia because they have screwed up the life of an 18-year-old boy. My client has a degenerative disease and goes to the games to enjoy himself. The situation is very serious because they have banned him from entering for life.”
That Izquierdo feels this is a credible excuse or explanation for racial abuse is ignorant at best, and extremely racist at worst. Dismissing that the event happened, and dismissing the idea that comparing Vinicius to an animal because of the colour of his skin is racist in itself, is deeply problematic. The legal system must ensure it defends the rights of its citizens, in this case Vinicius, and allowing this explanation to fly would be the opposite of that.
supabilmsy
1
you are right vini Jr
ZacharyB85
0
this lawyer is damn lucky he is not in Nigeria, I would have stalked him and smashed his racist brain
Tasaclpsy
1
real Madrid Spain from Yahoo finance and your dreams my friend enjoy the rest I miss the rest I am not understand the B you doing today I miss the rest of your friend's obyo you doing my love you
nanacdikmz
0
Vinicius has a problem with manners, he has a cocky attitude. Well I agree with this statement. I condemn racism but sometimes I feel people are simply making something small like (.) as if it is Mount Everest. I don't see other players in LaLiga getting that much hate or racism
U are a beast. U are part of the problem and will d*ie a problem to yourself. See the nonsense u just posted. U dirty racist
Saugat Panta
1
Vinicius has a problem with manners, he has a cocky attitude. Well I agree with this statement. I condemn racism but sometimes I feel people are simply making something small like (.) as if it is Mount Everest. I don't see other players in LaLiga getting that much hate or racism
hepcdeikps
0
Am ashamed
hepcdeikps
0
So sad
Vikacpruy
2
The world stands for Vini .The world condemns the acts of hate and racism .Spain pass a law to stop a match in case of hate and racism .Tell fans to go home and reflect on their evil acts of hate and racism . The pope should Spain a lesson about love .
Juadeoptu
0
Raalmad