La Liga president Tebas: ‘Vinicius receives more insults because he has become a leader against racism’

Over the past couple of years, there has been a major spike in cases of racism against Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr.

The 25-year-old Brazilian winger has shockingly been on the receiving end of racist slurs from opposition fans at various stadiums in Spain.

Things escalated last week when an opposition player, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, allegedly called him a ‘mo*key’ during their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff clash at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

The Argentine star has been provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA while the matter is under investigation.

Javier Tebas shares his views

Earlier today, La Liga president Javier Tebas gave an interview to Brazilian outlet Ge Globo (h/t Mundo Deportivo) in which he acknowledged that the cases involving Vinicius marked a turning point in how the league handles racism.

Leading the fight against racism in football. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Vinicius’ case made us realise we weren’t doing enough. There was a situation that we had to change. We couldn’t continue like that,” Tebas admitted.

He explained that the media pressure and international exposure forced the league to review its protocols and strengthen its measures against discriminatory behaviour.

“This work will have to be done in more competitions,” he added, suggesting that the fight against racism goes beyond Spanish football.

Tebas also publicly backed the Real Madrid winger, suggesting that he was a leader in the fight against racism in football.

“I believe Vinicius receives more racist insults because he has become a leader against racism. He is very clear on this issue. He has no doubts. He is brave in his statements, his attitude and his actions,” Tebas said.