Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has given his thoughts on the recent racial abuse of Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior has been subjected to racist abuse from the stands numerous times during La Liga matches over the past two seasons, most recently against Valencia on Sunday.
In the most recent case, the Brazil international pointed out culprits in the stands. The game was stopped for an extended period, and while it eventually resumed, Vinicius was sent off in injury time. He has since claimed that La Liga and Spain belong to racists.
Diego Simeone, the Atletico manager said in an interview with Mundo Deporivo:
Spain is not a racist country. It is clear that when these situations appear is when you can give them more visibility. We who are exposed to it are seen more, but this is also found on the street. For me it is not a matter of what happens in a stadium, but it is on the street and young people must be taken care of.”
Other managers have condemned the acts of racism. Barcelona manager Xavi condemned the incident, while Ancelotti has insisted he wants to see drastic measures taken.