Racism controversy in football as Barcelona staff member deletes post about Real Madrid star
A Barcelona staff member has deleted a post denying racism towards Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr
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A Barcelona board member deleted a post denying that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr suffers from racist abuse.
The Brazil international was enraged over the weekend when a fan seemed to make a racist gesture in his direction during Los Blancos' 1-1 draw with Sevilla.
Sevilla later condoned the actions of their supporter and released a statement saying: "Sevilla FC would like to communicate that, after detecting xenophobic and racist behaviour, a member of the public was identified, ejected from the stadium and handed over to legal authorities.
"The individual will also be subject to the club’s vigorous internal disciplinary protocols and have their membership revoked.
Vinicius Jr was allegedly racially abused as Real Madrid drew with Sevilla at the weekend
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"Sevilla FC condemns all racist and xenophobic behaviour and will work closely with the authorities to ensure that action is taken accordingly.
"This behaviour does not belong at Sevilla FC."
Now, however, a Barcelona board member has controversially weighed in.
Mikel Camps took to social media to seemingly bat away Vinicius Jr's complaints.
He said: "It's not racism, he deserves a slap for being a clown.
"What do these unnecessary and meaningless stepovers represent in the center of the field?"
Real Madrid are due to travel to the Nou Camp to face off against Barcelona on Saturday.
And Camps has now deleted his message after a backlash, with many supporters quick to condemn his words.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo was asked about the tweet after his side's 2-1 Champions League win over Braga on Tuesday night.
"I don't know if I can speak, they always encourage us not to speak, but it's pathetic," he said.
"There's not much to say, very ugly."
Vini Jr had praised Sevilla for their reaction, with the winger frequently suffering racist abuse over the years as his stock in the game has soared.
"Congratulations to Sevilla on the quick positioning and penalty in another sad episode for Spanish football," he said.
"Unfortunately I have access to a video of another racist at this Saturday's game, this time carried out by a child.
"So sad there is no one to educate her. I invest a lot in education in Brazil to train citizens with different attitudes.
"The face of today's racist is stamped on websites as like several other times.
"I hope Spanish authorities do their part and change legislation for once. These people need to be criminally punished too.
"It would be a great first step to prepare for 2030 World Cup. I am here to help.
"Sorry to sound repetitive, but it's episode number 10. And counting…"
Last season, Vini Jr was targeted by fans of Valencia and Atletico Madrid.
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Vinicius Jr was racially abused by Valencia fans while playing for Real Madrid last year
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Valencia supporters were seen performing monkey gestures and singing chants during a La Liga match.
They were later slapped with a fine of £23,500 and a partial stadium closure, too.
And, in May, some Atletico fans were then arrested under suspicion of hanging an effigy of the winger back in January.
Vinicis Jr said earlier this year that racism was 'normal' in Spain.
“It was not the first time, nor the second, nor the third," he said.
Vinicius Jr is one of the best footballers in the world
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"Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition considers it normal, the federation considers it normal and the rivals encourage it.
"The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to the racists.
“A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which accepted to export to the world the image of a racist country.
"I am sorry for those Spaniards who disagree but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.
"I am strong and I will go all the way against the racists. Even if it is far away from here.”