La Liga condemns racial abuse of Vinicius Junior
By Sean Walsh
La Liga have released a statement following the continued racist abuse of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior by Atletico Madrid supporters.
The build up to Sunday's Madrid derby was dominated by criticism of the Brazilian's dancing celebration irking rival fans.
Los Blancos ran out 2-1 winners, with Rodrygo dedicating his deadlock-breaking goal to Vinicius by joining him in his dance.
Ahead of the derby, Atletico Madrid fans were filmed signing racist songs about Vinicius en masse outside the Metropolitano Stadium. This continued inside the ground and during the match, with the winger also being subjected to monkey chants.
A spokesperson for La Liga has now said: "We denounce all incidents inside and outside stadiums.
"We work with clubs to keep our football friendly and enjoyable.
"Hate speech has no place in La Liga and we always work with the clubs and the authorities to identify and bring to justice any such case."
Prior to the derby, Atletico Madrid captain Koke told Vinicius to 'expect trouble' if he danced at the Metropolitano.
Agent Pedro Bravo said during the week, "in Spain, you have to respect rivals and stop playing the monkey," and was roundly criticised for such comments, later issuing an apology.
Vinicius was defiant in a post on social media on Friday, stating: "Weeks ago, some people started to criticise my dancing. But the dancing is not mine alone.
"They belong to Ronaldinho, Neymar, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Antoine] Griezmann, Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha...Brazilian funk singers and samba dancers, Latin reggaeton singers, Black Americans. They are dances to celebrate the cultural diversity of the world.
"They say that happiness bothers. The happiness of a Black Brazilian being successful in Europe bothers much more. But my will to win, my smile and the sparkle in my eyes are much bigger than that."