Vinicius Jr praises Lamine Yamal for condemning anti-Muslim chants
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has commended Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal for speaking out against Islamophobic abuse heard during Spain’s friendly against Egypt.
The Catalan youngster appeared visibly distressed at the RCDE Stadium in his home city after being subjected to the intolerable chanting.
The Spanish Football Federation swiftly denounced the actions of the crowd.
Catalan regional police have now confirmed the launch of an official investigation into the troubling incident.
United front against discrimination
The Brazilian winger is frequently targeted by racist abuse across Europe and believes high-profile figures must utilise their platforms.
“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” the 23-year-old stated.
“It’s important that Lamine speaks about it because it could help others.”
The Los Blancos attacker highlighted the responsibility affluent athletes hold in protecting marginalised communities who lack a public voice.
We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Blacks who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players.
Champions League controversy
The former Flamengo prospect was recently embroiled in a high-profile scandal during February’s European knockout tie against Benfica.
He accused Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse following a goal celebration in front of the Portuguese supporters.
Although the Lisbon club strongly denied the allegations, Uefa handed Prestianni a provisional suspension which ruled him out of the return leg.
“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” he added.
Focus turns to Bayern Munich
Despite his ongoing battle for equality off the pitch, the European cup winner must now refocus his attention on continental success.
The forward was speaking on the eve of his team’s crucial quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich.
“If we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again,” he concluded.
