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Real Madrid full-back Dani Carvajal has responded to Vinicius Junior's statement about racism in Spain. The Brazilian winger claimed that the Iberian country should not be allowed to host the World Cup in 2030 if racist incidents continue to occur.
It is worth noting that Vinicius has faced consistent racial abuse while playing for Real Madrid. An effigy of the winger was hung from a bridge ahead of their match against rivals Atletico Madrid on January 2023. During a match against Valencia at the Mestalla in May 2023, he confronted fans who were shouting the word 'monkey' at him.
There have been other moments, with a report from ESPN revealing 16 different times when he had been racially abused. The forward spoke with CNN in a recent interview, where he discussed the racism he had faced in Spain.
With the country set to co-host the World Cup in 2030 with Morocco and Portugal, he said (via ESPN):
"Until 2030, we have a lot of room to evolve... If by 2030 things don't improve, I think we have to move the location because if a player doesn't feel comfortable and safe playing in a country where they can suffer racism, it's a bit difficult."
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said in response to Vinicius' comments (via ESPN):
"I'd just say that we, [Vinícius'] teammates, the players, the manager, we're against any racist incident in stadiums. I know what Vini suffers. We've supported him internally and publicly.
"La Liga is improving its protocols so that people who go to stadiums to insult people for the color of their skin shouldn't be allowed back into sporting events. But beyond that small group of people, I don't think that Spain doesn't deserve to host the World Cup."
He added:
"Spain has a huge cultural diversity, there are a lot of cultures living in our country, for me, since I was little I've been around lots of different nationalities in my neighborhood in Leganes. Spain isn't a racist country."
The Brazilian winger will be back in action for Los Blancos when they face Real Sociedad on September 14 after the international break.
High-profile Spaniards react to Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior's statement
Dani Carvajal is not the only high-profile Spaniard to respond to Vinicius Junior, following the Real Madrid winger's statement, which has sparked heavy debate. Former goalkeeper Paco Buyo revealed that the statement was hurtful on TV (via ESPN):
"It hurts me that Vinicius lumps us all together."
Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida slammed the winger's statement and demanded an apology, adding:
"Even though he is an extraordinary footballer, that doesn't mean he can put his foot in his mouth and he has put his foot in his mouth."
The national team coach Luis de la Fuente also made it clear that Spain was not a racist nation, noting that there are 'always a few undesirables'.
