Vinicius Junior: Brentford Striker Neal Maupay Receives Praise for Defending Racially Abused Star

• Neal Maupay has leapt to the defence of Vinicius Junior
• The Frenchman wants the racial abuse against Vini to end
• Neal's passionate defence has led to widespread praise

Neal Maupay has garnered widespread admiration from football fans globally for his staunch defence of Vinicius Junior.

Vini has unfortunately been the target of numerous racial slurs in the Spanish La Liga, with a shocking tally of 10 incidents reported to prosecutors just last season.

The 23-year-old winger recently opened up about his struggles, admitting to breaking down in tears and finding it challenging to maintain motivation and enjoyment in playing football amidst the ongoing racist abuse he faces in Spain.

In an emotionally charged press conference ahead of Brazil’s friendly against La Roja on Tuesday, March 26, the Real Madrid star expressed his frustration with fans seemingly getting away with hurling racial abuse at him, as noted by Al Jazeera.

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While the racial insults directed at Vini may have momentarily subsided, certain factions of fans have unfairly blamed the Brazilian for instigating such chants.

Critics argue that the lively winger's enthusiastic on-field gestures often provoke opponents and fans, potentially leading to the racial abuse he endures

Neal Maupay defends Vinicius

However, Maupay, who plies his trade in the English Premier League with Brentford, has come to Vinicius' defence, asserting that regardless of the player's actions on the field, they should never justify racial abuse.

"No matter what you do on the pitch to gain an advantage over your opponent, there is never an excuse for resorting to racial abuse," the French forward wrote on his official X account.

"This kind of reaction can never be normalised, and we should always speak up and fight back against discrimination."

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Fans heap praise on Neal Maupay

@RMCFhugge appreciated Maupay's succinct defence:

"Well said. These people will do anything to justify it. Thanks."

Another user, @mainsheddy, clapped for the Frenchman:

"Very good point, fam."

@N5Toby said:

"Probably the best person to say this, to be fair. Massive respect."

@vadisquoRM added:

"Thank you, Neal! Don't know why people can't understand this."

@FPL_Hive saluted the 27-year-old:

"Big respect to you, Neal."

Real Madrid file complaint after Vini's racial abuse

In an earlier publication, Sports Brief reported that on Friday, March 15, Real Madrid made an announcement regarding their submission of a complaint concerning the racist insults directed at Vinicius.

The complaint was lodged in response to videos circulating on social media depicting racist chants aimed at Vini by Atletico fans outside the Metropolitano Stadium before the UCL encounter against Inter Milan.