La Liga winger comes to Vinicius’ defence over statements about racism in Spain | OneFootball

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr’s statements from earlier today have led to the football fraternity becoming largely polarised.

The Brazilian winger, who has been at the receiving end of racist slurs year after year now, openly spoke on Spain’s need to improve on that front at the earliest.

His stance on the 2030 FIFA World Cup being shifted from the country, however, did not go down well with many senior figures as it brought a direct attack on the nation.

“If things have not evolved by 2030, I think the World Cup will have to change its location because if the players do not feel comfortable and confident to play in a country where they can suffer racism, it is very complicated,” he said specifically.

Athletic Club superstar has his say

Speaking to the media earlier today, Athletic Club winger and Spanish national team superstar Nico Williams was asked to give his two cents on Vinicius’ statement to which he did not hesitate in defending the Real Madrid star.

“Vinicius spoke perfectly. He is being insulted because he is a great player. This has to stop. Some people can’t watch a match and insult a player, you have to enjoy the match,” he said, as revealed by AS.

Nico Williams has come out in support of Vinicius. (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)

Williams’ perspective indeed echoes the perspective of millions across the globe, especially of Real Madrid fans who witness the targeted insults against Vinicius on a regular basis.

After all, differentiation based on colour is a condemnable and regressive practice that simply has no place in today’s society.

While a significant part of society has voiced in favour of the Real Madrid superstar, his statement has attracted a fair share of backlash, especially from the higher authorities in Spain.

Earlier today, the Mayor of Madrid, Jose Luis Martínez-Almeida, called for the player to rectify his statement of stripping the nation of the hosting rights.

Given the difficulties that Vinicius has had to steer through in recent years, it remains to be seen if he is willing to take back his statement and issue a clarification. As it stands, however, that appears unlikely.