Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has posted a message of support for his former Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Jr, after he was racially abused by opposition fans on Sunday.
During a La Liga match against Valencia, the 22-year-old Brazil international tried to point out people in the crowd who he believed were abusing him.
Vinicius was later sent off for the first time in the competition, for his involvement in an altercation between two sets of players, on what was clearly a challenging and emotional day for him.
Real Madrid’s young forward has been the target of racial abuse multiple times this season and Sunday’s incident has been condemned by the player, manager Carlo Ancelotti and the club, as well as many other leading voices in football.
Valencia have said they will take the ‘most severe measure possible’ as a club and La Liga is investigating the incident.
United midfielder Casemiro used to play with Vinicius at Real Madrid and they continue to proudly represent Brazil together on the international stage.
Having played 161 matches together so far, our no.18 has jumped to his friend’s support by posting this passionate message on social media.
“I feel disappointed and very sad to see, ashamed, how episodes of racism with my team-mate Vinicius Junior are repeated,” writes Casemiro.
“We cannot continue to tolerate this problem that transcends sport, affects the whole of society and goes unpunished.
“Public condemnation is not enough, punishment is necessary. La Liga must urgently take exemplary measures, because these repeated incidents of racism tarnish the image not only of Spanish football, but also of all world football. And the feeling must be unanimous: zero tolerance!”
United forward Jadon Sancho has also posted message of support on Vinicius’s Instagr post, writing: “We are all behind you brother!”
Me sinto decepcionado e muito triste ao ver, envergonhado, como se repetem episódios de racismo com meu companheiro de Seleção Vinícius Junior. Não podemos continuar tolerando esse problema que transcende o esporte, afeta toda a sociedade e segue impune. Não basta uma condenação pública, é necessária uma punição. La Liga deve tomar medidas exemplares com urgência, porque esses repetidos incidentes de racismo mancham a imagem não só do futebol espanhol, mas também de todo o futebol mundial. E o sentimento deve ser unânime: tolerância zero!!!!
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