Following racist comments by Pedro Bravo against Vinicius and his celebratory dance steps, the Brazilian has insisted that he would not change. The Real Madrid forward has received support from the club, Neymar and legendary player Pele.
The Madrid derby is on the cards, and the game is generating plenty of heat. The game is on Sunday, but racist talks have dominated the media. Real Madrid have been in fine form, winning all their La Liga matches this season.
Los Blancos are top of the table with five wins from five, with their local rivals occupying the seventh position on the log. Both teams come off the back of different results in the Champions League this week. While Real Madrid needed two late goals to overcome RB Leipzig, Atletico succumbed to Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. Los Colchoneros lost to the Germans by two late goals.
Despite the differing results by both Madrid sides, a feisty affair is expected, with the centre of the discussion focused on Vinicius and his goal celebrations. The Brazilian has formed a habit of dancing in celebration after every goal scored.
Vinicius insists on his goal celebrations
Two important figures in Spanish football have caused an uproar ahead of the derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Pedro Bravo, the president of the Spanish Agents association, made racist remarks at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. He asked the Brazilian to stop playing the monkey after Real Madrid beat Mallorca 4-1.
Bravo made the statement when he appeared on the controversial El Chiringuito TV programme. The Spanish agents’ president later retracted his comments.
Koke also sent a veiled threat at the Brazilian regarding his dance celebrations. The situation escalated as Real Madrid and Vinicius reacted to the verbal attacks. The aim is to stop the Brazilian from his dance steps, but he has decided to continue his trademark celebrations.
Vinicius has vowed he will not stop dancing during his goal celebrations. The Brazilian insists that the racist slurs will not stop him from dancing.
Outrage over the racist comments
Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior are outraged at the comments directed at the Brazilian winger. Vinicius released a video saying he does not intend to stop dancing whenever he scores a goal. In the social media post, Vinicius said that the joy of a victorious black Brazilian in Europe bothers much more.
The Brazilian added that his desire to win, smile and the sparkle in his eyes are much bigger than what they postulate.
Vinicius also claims he was a victim of xenophobic and racist comments but insists that none of that started yesterday.
The Brazilian claims the dance steps belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Antoine] Griezmann, Joao Felix and Matheus Cunha. He continued that the dance belongs to Brazilian funk and samba artists, reggaeton singers, and black Americans.
Real Madrid supported their striker. The European champions would take legal action against anyone who makes offensive remarks against their players. The board insists that they reject all forms of racist and xenophobic expressions and behaviours in the field and outside of it.
Los Merengues say the comments against Vinicius are unfortunate, and they want to show love and support for Vinicius.
Pele also backed Vinicius and urged him to stand up to racism. Meanwhile, Pedro Bravo has apologized and retracted the comments.
