VINICIUS JUNIOR sent a defiant message to Valencia fans as he scored twice on his return to the ground where he was racially abused.
The Real Madrid forward, 23, rescued a point for Carlo Ancelotti’s men in a dramatic 2-2 draw on Saturday night.
Los Blancos trailed 2-0 before the Brazilian pulled one back just before half-time and grabbed the equaliser 14 minutes from time.
And after both goals, he had a very clear response to the Valencia supporters.
Following his first effort, Vinicius picked the ball out of the net and stood tall with a fist raised in the air – a powerful stance synonymous with anti-racism.
Then later on he showed the Valencia fans his name on the back of his shirt, cupped his ears and stuck his tongue out.
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That is because last May, Vinicius was the subject of shocking and vile racism on his previous visit to the Mestalla which led to seven arrests.
The Brazilian reported abuse from home supporters during the 1-0 defeat, pointing out alleged offenders to the referee as the match was suspended for nine minutes.
Vinicius, who had his red card from the match rescinded, tweeted afterwards: “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third.
“Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
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“I’m so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists.
“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world.
“I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.
“And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.”
There were also reports of further disgusting racist abuse by Valencia supporters – including a child – during last night’s match.
Jude Bellingham thought he had scored a heroic winner for Real Madrid deep into injury time.
However, when he headed in Brahim Diaz’s cross, the referee had controversially already blown the full-time whistle.
That prompted a furious reaction from Real Madrid players and coaches alike.
Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger were both shown a red card after the end – with the ref claiming the England midfielder said: “It was a f***ing goal.”
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Aurelien Tchouameni then slammed the officials as “embarrassing” on X.
But classy Bellingham put his disappointment aside to stop, posing for photos and signing autographs for young fans on his way out of the stadium,
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Joshua Jones
