Real Madrid Winger Vinicius Junior Issues a Bold Statement After Being Subjected to Racist Slur

Real Madrid Winger Vinicius Junior Issues a Bold Statement After Being Subjected to Racist Slur

Isaac Darko
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:11 PM
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  • Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has released a video saying he is not going to change after he was targeted by a racial slur
  • Vinicius Junior's goal celebration has become the subject of discussion ahead of the looming Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid
  • The explosive winger is known for his samba celebrations after a goal which is typical for most Brazilian forwards around the world

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has vowed not to change his goal celebration despite being targeted by a racist slur by an agent in Spain.

Vinicius’ samba dance goal celebration has been termed disrespectful and offensive to his opponents by fans who have criticised the Real Madrid forward.

The President of the Association of Spanish Agents Pedro Bravo also made racist remarks against the Brazilian superstar.

Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, dance, Neymar, Pele
Vinicius Junior has issued a video on social media responding to racist abuse aimed at his dancing. Credit: @vinijr
Source: Twitter

While on the El Chiringuito TV, Bravo told Vinicius to 'stop playing the monkey' before later retracting his statement.

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Outraged at receiving backlash for his goal celebrations, the explosive winger released a video on Twitter saying he has no plans to stop dancing in the face of abuse as it signifies diversity and not meant to disrespect anyone.

“Weeks ago they started criminalizing my dances. Dances that aren’t mine but Ronaldinho, Neymar, Paquetá, Griezmann, J.Felix, M.Cunha, Brazilian funk/sambist, reggaeton & black American artists. Dances celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. Accept it, respect it.”
He then reiterated that nothing could stop him from celebrating his goals the way he wanted.
“Accept it, respect it because I ain’t stopping.”
He took a specific dig at Bravo who made a racial comment against him by saying, “But I repeat it to you racist: I will not stop dancing. Whether at the Sambodromo, at the Bernabéu or wherever.”
“They say that happiness is annoying. The happiness of a victorious black Brazilian in Europe bothers much more.”

Real Madrid have also issued a statement to take legal action against anyone who makes racist remarks about their players.

Alvaro Morata has joined a list of footballers to leap to the defence of Vinicius, stating that the Brazilian forward has every right to celebrate his goals the way he wants to.

Morata will square up against the tricky winger this weekend when Atletico Madrid faces arch-rivals and neighbours Real Madrid at the Metropolitano.

Neymar Throws Weight Behind Vinicius Jr, Tells Real Star to Dance and Enjoy Himself Ahead of Madrid Derby

Sports Brief earlier reported that Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has thrown his weight behind Vinicius Jr ahead of the Madrid derby on Sunday, September 18.

Vinicius Jr has come under intense backlash for his goal celebrations ahead of the looming Madrid derby against Atletico.

But Vinicius' international teammate, Neymar, who recently received a yellow card for his goal celebration in midweek, has thrown his weight behind the Madrid winger.

Neymar took to Instagram to urge his compatriot to enjoy himself on the field amid growing criticism.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)
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