Real Madrid have condemned racist comments made about their forward Vinicius Junior as the Brazilian star said in a video statement that he won’t change his celebration and the critics are bothered by a “victorious black Brazilian in Europe.”
While appearing as a panellist on a Spanish soccer show Friday, leading agent Pedro Bravo said Vinicius was not respecting his opponents with his celebrations, comparing his behaviour to that of a monkey — which immediately sparked backlash on social media.
Vinicius, 22, said that Bravo’s criticism was not the first time he had been targeted by racist remarks about his celebrations, while mentioning other players who showcase similar dances after scoring.
“They say that happiness bothers,” Vinicius said in a video posted to social media. “The happiness of a victorious black Brazilian in Europe bothers much more.
“But my desire to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that. You can’t even imagine it. I was a victim of a xenophobic and racist comment. But none of that started yesterday.”
“Weeks ago they began to criminalize my dances. Dances that are not mine.
“They belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Antoine] Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha… they belong to Brazilian funk and samba artists, reggaeton singers, and black Americans. Those are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world. Accept it, respect it. I’m not going to stop.”
✊🏿🖤! Obrigado pelo apoio! Eu não vou parar! #BailaViniJr pic.twitter.com/h3RsmwYAYw
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) September 16, 2022
In their own statement, Real Madrid threatened legal action against anyone who makes racist remarks about their players.
“Real Madrid CF rejects all kinds of racist and xenophobic expressions and behaviors in the field of football, sport and life in general, such as the regrettable and unfortunate comments made in recent hours against our player Vinicius Junior,” Real Madrid said in a statement.
“Real Madrid wants to show all its love and support for Vinicius Junior, a player who understands football as an attitude towards life based on joy, respect and sportsmanship.
“Football, which is the most global sport that exists, must be an example of values and coexistence. The club has instructed its legal services to take legal action against anyone who uses racist expressions towards our players.”
Bravo, who is the president of the Association of Spanish Agents, later took to Twitter to issue a clarification, saying he used the “monkey” expression to say Vinicius was “doing stupid things.”
“I want to clarify that the expression ‘playing the monkey’ that I have misused to qualify Vinicius’ goal celebration dance was done metaphorically,” he said.
“Since my intention was not to offend anyone, I sincerely apologize. I am sorry!”
But his comments were also condemned by Brazilian great Pele and Brazil’s football federation, which came out in defense of Vinicius.
“Football is joy. It is dancing. It is truly a party. Despite the fact that racism still exists, we will not allow it to stop us from continuing to smile,” Pele wrote. “And we will continue to fight racism in this way, fighting for the right to be happy.”
The Brazil federation also used the hashtag #DanceViniJr. and wrote: “There will be dancing, dribbling, but above all, respect. On Thursday night (15), our athlete @vinijr was the target of racist statements. The CBF stands in solidarity and supports: #BailaViniJr.”
Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar, meanwhile, has encouraged his national teammate Vinicius to continue dancing after scoring.
Sempre! 🕺🏾😂 https://t.co/VjjN9MtwwV pic.twitter.com/B4K08fLs10
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) September 16, 2022
Neymar, who was left angry after he was booked for his goal celebration in PSG’s 3-1 win at Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League, tweeted: “DANCE VINI Jr.”
The Brazil star had further words of advice for Vinicius, writing in an Instagram post “Dribble, dance and be you. Happy just the way you are. Keep it up my boy, next goal we dance.”
Vinicius responded to Neymar’s comments on Twitter with the word “Always” and a picture of the pair dancing when playing for Brazil.
Speaking earlier Friday, Atletico Madrid captain Koke said Vinicius can expect “trouble” in the Sunday derby against Real Madrid if he performs his trademark dancing celebration after scoring.
Asked if he would understand the reaction of Atletico fans at the Wanda Metropolitano if Vinicius celebrated in his usual way, Koke said: “There would be trouble, for sure, [that is] to be expected.”
But Koke said Vinicius, like any other player, is free to celebrate goals how he wishes.
“If in the end he scores and decides to dance, well, it’s what he wants to do,” Koke said.
“Would I understand it or not? Everyone has their own way of being and of celebrating goals as they please.”
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he does not understand the controversy surrounding Vinicius’ goal celebration.
“He is a Brazilian, he dances very well, and I don’t think it bothers anyone,” Ancelotti said.
“He doesn’t need to change anything regarding his attitude because he respects his rivals and the referee a lot.
“He is a special player because of how he plays, although at times, because of his way of playing, rivals might get angry.”
Atletico head into the league showdown Sunday five points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid after five games played.
Information from ESPN’s Adriana Garcia and Reuters was used in this report.