Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gave the perfect answer when a reporter asked if Vinicius Junior was abusing himself.
Los Blancos' clash with Valencia on Sunday night was marred by reports of racism directed at Vinicius, who was sent off for violent behavior in the 97th minute following an altercation. with Hugo Duro.
Speaking after the final whistle, the Brazilian forward mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in a powerful social media post.
"It's not the first, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga," he wrote. Advertisement
"The competition I think is normal, the Federation too and the opponents encourage it. I am really sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi now belongs to the racists. ethnicity.
A beautiful country, which welcomed me and I love it, but agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.
"I apologize for the Spaniards who disagree, but today in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens every week, I have no defense. "I agree. But I am strong and I will do whatever it takes to fight the racists. Even from here far away."
According to reports in Spain, this is the 10th case of racism that the 22-year-old striker has suffered this season.
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"The way LaLiga decided to blame victim Vinicius Jr.... It's hard to understand!"
"Where's the 15 point penalty for that!?"
Earlier in the season, ahead of Liverpool's clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League, Jurgen Klopp was asked about Vinicius in a press conference.
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To the skepticism of many, including Klopp, a reporter asked the German if Vinicius was being abused because of "an aspect of his game that is sometimes provocative, which creates certain backlash".
With a questioning look, Klopp replied:
"That he did something on the pitch that could have caused it? There's nothing in the world that can justify that. Imagine if I said yes, that would be absolutely insane."
You can see that moment below. Advertisement
Klopp, who described the Brazilian as a "world-class" player, added:
"He was there that night [the Champions League final] - at a very young age - unfazed by the way the game was going, by the fact that they weren't always dominant and things like that.
"He was there at the decisive moment, I'm pretty sure that made him a Real Madrid legend at a very young age. I hope he's not confused by idiots saying things. something about him."
Several players have called for stronger action to tackle racism, including Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who played with Vinicius during his time at the Bernabeu.
"How many times can a player be racially abused and it keeps happening? Words do nothing," he tweeted. Advertisement
"We need more than statements, we need immediate action against racism. The threat of a lifetime ban is not strong enough. We need to do more to protect players and protect our game."
Varane then tagged FIFA, UEFA and a host of top European leagues, including La Liga and Serie A, in the post.
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