[European/International Football News]It seems that the comments made by Real Madrid forward Vinicius were too big for the mayor of Madrid to ignore.
Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida has called on Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior to correct his remarks and apologize, Spanish newspaper Marca reports.
In an earlier interview with CNN, Vinicius stressed the need to eliminate racist behavior from Spain, and said that if there is no change in the future, Spain should not be able to host the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Portugal and Morocco. “I hope that Spain will evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of their skin color. There is a lot of room for evolution until 2030. If there is no evolution by 2030, I think we need to change the location (of the World Cup). If the players do not feel comfortable, if we are not sure that they will not suffer discrimination, it will be a bit difficult (to host the World Cup),” he said.
The mayor of Madrid, Almeida, could not ignore these remarks. As an enthusiastic supporter of Atlético de Madrid, he has a strong interest in football, and was paid a courtesy visit by the club when Real Madrid won the title, and has had close ties with Vinicius. However, he takes issue with the Brazilian striker’s remarks, which he says are racist, treating Spain and the city of Madrid as a whole, and is demanding a correction and apology.
“We are aware that there are discriminatory episodes in our society and that we must make a strong effort to eliminate them. However, it is completely unjust to say to Spain, and personally to the city of Madrid, that we are a discriminatory society and to jeopardize the 2030 World Cup. I ask him to correct his statements. He must correct them and apologize.”
“When a discriminatory episode occurs, we have his full support. I want him to know that. But we can’t be there if we say we’re racists, because that’s not true. The person who made the mistake has to correct it.”
“Just because you’re a foreign football player doesn’t mean you can be disrespectful. He behaved disrespectfully. The majority of Spanish society is with Vinicius in the fight against discrimination. But we cannot stand by him if you lump the whole of Spanish society – and, if I may speak personally, Madrid society – together and describe it as racist. We cannot accept that.”
“He must appreciate that he lives in one of the most diverse and open cities in the world. What is special about Madrid is that nobody asks where you come from. No one is treated badly here and no one is excluded. The fact that he had to endure this sad episode should not be used as justification for accusing the whole of Spanish society of racism and saying that the World Cup should not be held.”
Regarding Vinicius’ previous remarks, people have frequently pointed out in Spain that “despite the fact that only a very small number of people in Spain are engaging in discriminatory behavior, he is treating the entire country as if it were racist, and sowing prejudice against Spain all over the world,” sparking a major controversy.
Related articles
● Sociedad manager on Takefusa Kubo’s goal celebration: “Take wasn’t angry at me or for dropping him from the starting lineup” | La Liga
With DMM × DAZN Unlimited, you can enjoy monthly discounts and points rewards!
(C)DMM.com
Sports broadcast on DAZN can also be viewed through “DMM x DAZN Hodai,” a package that includes DMM Premium and DAZN Standard.
Normally, if you sign up for DMM Premium and DAZN separately, it would cost 4,750 yen (tax included) per month, but with DMM x DAZN Hodai you can enjoy both services for a monthly fee of 3,480 yen (tax included), a savings of 1,270 yen per month.
It is also possible to switch from DAZN’s standard plan (although some plans do not), so please check the official website first.
▶【DMM×DAZN Hodai is a great deal】Register now on the official website
About DAZN
DAZN lets you watch your favorite sports live and catch-up anytime, anywhere! Check out the article below now.
●[Program Guide]What’s the latest featured content?
●[Great Deal]What are DAZN’s prices and discount plans?
