Featured Image Credit: MARCA/YouTube - La Liga
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, Brazil, Valencia
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, Brazil, Valencia
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp issued the perfect response when a reporter asked if Vinicius Junior brings abuse on himself.
Los Blancos' league clash against Valencia on Sunday night was marred by reports of racism directed at Vinicius, who was controversially sent off for violent conduct in the 97th minute following an altercation with Hugo Duro.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, the Brazilian forward referenced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in a powerful post on social media.
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"It wasn't the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga," he wrote.
"The competition thinks it's normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. 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 defense. "I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here."
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According to reports in Spain, this is the 10th racial abuse incident the 22-year-old forward has suffered this season.
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Earlier on in the season, ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash against Real Madrid, Jurgen Klopp was asked about Vinicius in a press conference.
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Much to the disbelief of many, including Klopp, a reporter asked the German whether Vinicius brings abuse on himself due to "an aspect of his game is sometimes provocative, that creates some reaction."
With a quizzical look on his face, Klopp replied: "That he is doing something on the pitch that could cause it? There is nothing in the world that could justify that. Imagine if I say yes, that would be completely insane."
You can see that moment below.
Klopp, who described the Brazilian as a "world class" player, added: “He was that night [Champions League final] - with a really young age - didn't get fazed by the way the game went, how they were not always dominant and stuff like that.
“He was there in the decisive moment, I'm pretty sure that already makes him a Real Madrid legend at a very young age. I hope he's not fazed by any idiots who say something about him.”
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A number of players have called for stronger action to combat racist abuse, including Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who played alongside Vinicius during his time at the Bernabeu.
"How many times can players be racially abused and it just keeps happening? Words have done nothing," he tweeted.
"We need more than statements, we need action against racism immediately. The threat of lifetime bans is not strong enough. We must do more to protect our players, and to protect our game."
Varane proceeded to tag FIFA, UEFA and a host of the top European leagues, including La Liga and Serie A, in the post.
Barcelona manager Xavi has also spoken on the incident, saying matches should be stopped if a player is subjected to racist abuse.