ESPN FC reacts to Vinicius Jr.’s red card being canceled & Valencia’s fine for racist abuse

ESPN FC’s Sid Lowe, Shaka Hislop, Pablo Zabaleta and Dan Thomas react to the Spanish Football Federation announcing that Vinicius Junior will not be suspended after receiving a red card in Sunday’s LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Valencia. They also discuss Valencia being fined €45,000 and having their south stand be partially closed for five matches after the racist abuse suffered by Vinicius.
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[@Misterkoots]

"Nobody was asking for perfection, they were asking for progress". Hear, hear, Shaka. Well said.

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: Anti Semitism - Sternly dealt with Racism,Islamophobia - if not Equally Sternly dealt with Equality,Elitist?

[@amirhosseinahmadi3706]

@@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings Islamophobia is a bogus concept and in no way analogous to those other phenomena.

[@Mahmood8i]

Vini jr, shook the whole Spanish league system. Good fking work vini

[@CrayCray9]

@SCPython you are right, the racism is not going away anytime soon but we need to start somewhere with baby steps. This is something that was needed, La Liga and Spain needed a reality check, they needed to be taken out of their colonial mentality.

[@muchacamara]

FU and La Liga

[@rh81454]

@@muchacamara You are poor.

[@BlackBelkan]

​@SCPython that's why we implemented rules that punish clubs with lost of points and at some point exclusion from competitions if those cases happen. Here racism is a CRIME and the ones who partake in It get serious jail time.

[@daniyalbbd5281]

Not yet , we need to target and boycott Spanish businesses and target any Spanish speaking Spanish person you see , don't let them walk away unhurt

[@basantapant198]

It's simple and direct: No one should be discriminated based on their race, color and ethnicity.

[@DreDiego]

I was discrimination for not taking the poison experiment Vaccines

[@swanyay3304]

It’s so simple, yet people make it complicated for no reason smfh

[@tjcarter4682]

They should be banned from the stadium indefinitely

[@tdgarage4012]

In the United States you cannot discriminate against anyone except white people. That is completely acceptable now.

[@sublime9525]

It's simple, but there's discrimination based on race, color, and ethnicity throughout human history.

[@ZeusKnocksYouOut]

"Were not asking for perfection, were asking for progress." Shaka with some BARS. Im gonna steal that one. 10/10 quote. Great points all around 👏👏

[@jponz85]

Not really BARS at all but go off

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: Anti Semitism - Sternly dealt with Racism,Islamophobia - if not Equally Sternly dealt with Equality,Elitist?

[@kristiantello]

knees hurt yet bro?

[@goatstatusj5112]

Victim mentality...

[@ZeusKnocksYouOut]

@@goatstatusj5112 Learn the difference between victim mentality and verbal abuse. There are clear differences in psychological literature.

[@HarshvardhanKanthode]

Vini is turning into something bigger than just a footballer and I'm here for it ❤

[@titoddavid]

How can you not love Sid Lowe.A true definition of a genuine journalist.

[@russellharvey698]

He waffles and basically says nothing or the obvious. Read his articles, they are pretty weak

[@LEGEND_Gloomy]

@@russellharvey698 let's see how well you are

[@vp922]

@@LEGEND_Gloomy he doesn’t get paid to do it tho does he?

[@ZebraKatzWhereItsAt]

@@vp922 You both just sound bitter lmfao

[@user-ki6kf7sw8s]

@@russellharvey698he’s well articulated and smart in delivering his message. Ofcourse you think it’s weak. Because what you are looking for is someone who agrees with your point of view by pointing out the things you’re looking for.

[@jdaking7648]

Vini is not just a footballer he's highly intelligent, his comments have been so eloquent

[@joaovitorcamargo7165]

For a 22 y.o even

[@ReidGameX]

He deserves SO much better.

[@muchacamara]

Sure sure he wrote that message... 😂😂😂

[@SeanyMack]

Cry baby Vini

[@errolgordon9615]

@@SeanyMack Looks like you have a problem with him did he *** your wife😄😄

[@bryanreyes2876]

People have amnesia of Samuel Eto’s “No más” and left the game because of the extreme racism.

[@TIDOXOFFICIAL]

It’s not amnesia it’s the pressure of social media. It’s easier to send out a message now than back then

[@harrymamez]

only matters for fascist real and chapo florentino

[@luis-alberto.]

Wait what does "no mas" mean? I remember that from the Braeking bad episode.

[@billycorgan3934]

​@@harrymamez Florentino doesn't care when the other day Pep Guardiola received homophobic insults from Bernabeu stadium or when they insult Catalans. You are foreign and you don't understand what's going on. It's a political battle between Florentino and Laliga because Florentino wants to control the referees for its own purpose like when the dictatorship...

[@agenciasimplify2591]

Everybody knows this is not a recent thing and already happened 1000 times.. but now is getting a lot of attention

[@flickchic238]

Shaka and Sid are so genuine on this topic. I really appreciate them talking about this in a deep and meaningful way, with obvious introspection, sincerity and character. Thank you, Sid and Shaka!

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

Nah, Sid was making hella excuses during the incident with the whole Atletico stadium chanting racial slurs.

[@charlesbarstow319]

Absolutely right, well said!

[@thereckon3592]

@@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo He was explaining the reality in Spain.

[@ImmortalGang862]

Nah Sid and Dan parroting the same bs Valencia is. Claiming this punishment is “unprecedented” or that their journalism has “forced the hand in Spain” is ludicrous. All that’s really happened is same old partial stadium ban, even tho the whole stadium was chanting.

[@thereckon3592]

@@ImmortalGang862 You're insane. Listen to their whole conversation.

[@jhonnybarros6038]

“What a sad era when it is easier to smash an atom than a prejudice.” Albert Einstein

[@CrayCray9]

Tragic truth of humanity.

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

@@CrayCray9 And even things that we think are inconsequential to problem, actually perpetuate the problem. The Olympics, national teams, [BLANK] Pride, etc... all of these perpetuate division, nationalism, could lead to xenophobia. You can't have one without the other, as long as you have these things that organize us by our divisions, logic would follow that it's always going to potentiate division. A lot of people, sports fans especially don't like when I say it but it's basic 1+1 = 2.

[@Pedro-ny8zt]

einstein was racist against asians

[@Nippleless_Cage]

The arrests regarding the effigy are the most disturbing. That indicates that the authorities knew all these months who committed the act and did nothing until this fresh episode caused the public pressure to boil over. It's a storyline I'm sadly familiar with living in America, where cops who commit acts of brutality are almost never arrested until the video of the event goes viral and sparks public outrage.

[@squodge]

Yup - can you imagine if there were an effigy of Messi? The whole of Spain would have done something about it without hesitation.

[@matildabrookman-amissah3036]

They're always waiting for public backlash before they take any action meaning deep down they don't really care. That's the truth.

[@mannyyard9882]

​@@matildabrookman-amissah3036 Exactly.

[@rmv9194]

Or It means they just caught innocent people as scapegoats

[@dennischacha6952]

Exactly

[@dreezy1270]

It’s a shame that La Liga steps in now when the world and world football is pressuring them.

[@harrymamez]

funny, real makes it seems hes the only black man getting abused,,,

[@insideinside9450]

This is also ridiculous and terrible. It just shows you Tebas cannot continue as president of the league. How can you receed the red card of a player. It was a well deserved red card maybe the only issue is that the player should have been booked whi chocked him. But a red card even when not deserved is never overturned. This is simply favourtism, bad sactioning and bad leadership.

[@decode3667]

Wasn't La Liga, it was the anti competition committee.

[@madhavagrawal8303]

He was given the red card for being violent

[@kawhi2934]

@@madhavagrawal8303rasist exposed😂😂😂

[@willgreig4077]

Just bought a Vini Jersey, Loved him as a player but what he has done from a social justice standpoint is incredible

[@Prasko131]

He hasn't done anything. No one really cares. It will be the same next season, people will forget about this. Maybe you are just new to football but it's been done many many times before. Eto'o did it 17 years ago in La Liga as an example.

[@mannyyard9882]

​@@Prasko131 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@henry247]

​@@Prasko131🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@eavyeavy2864]

@@beverly9 protest about racism and change the system

[@eavyeavy2864]

@@beverly9 your mind is so poisoned you dont understand justice

[@MIM-er3kf]

We from Ethiopia are proud of you!!! Viva Vinicius, the permanent changes you brought is much more than just winnig a game.

[@commonsense8831]

What a beautiful goal he scores in the game and in standing up against racism. Thank God for Vinicius Jr.

[@rudrajitsinha3175]

Vini as an 18 year old nobody took on Ronaldo's heavy legacy and delivered a Liga and a CL in three years. He wasnt perfect but he ran and ran till he became the best. He is that man. Bravo Vini! ❤

[@sportsupdates1103]

The best way is to take 6 points from teams who exhibit this barbaric behavior.

[@Alain5445]

My friend 6 points u are very kind

[@sportsupdates1103]

@@Alain5445 at least it will be a start. Worse scenes would definitely attract deduction of more points. The point I'm trying to make is that the best way to punish a team is deduction of their points. Playing half stadium or even empty stadium would not directly affect the emotions of the fans, but deduction of points will directly affect the fans. Because the fans only look for one thing, POINTS.

[@joaopedro82465]

⁠@SCPython and, in the process, get beaten to death by a mob made of the real fans of Valencia.

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

@@joaopedro82465 You are delusional, it's Spain, they would join with him. Kids are taught racism from a young age in Spain, look at the video of the what looked like 4 year old kids calling another immigrant kid racial slurs and picking on them on a playground somewhere, you're lying to yourself if you say that's the only time that ever happened.

[@Cornpop69]

@@sportsupdates1103dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.

[@Storm_409]

As a Valencia follower, I think our remaining home game against Espanyol should have been behind closed doors, as well as the partial stadium closure running into next season. So disgraceful.

[@spiritemirates]

Vicious Junior is a legend already! Very happy for him and our diverse communities.

[@DmagAdv]

I see it already. Vini Jr’s legacy will not only be that he was one of the best footballers in history. But also the one who started the change of racism in Spain. Bravo Vini! Majority of the football world is behind you! Keep up the good fight!

[@arugono]

You mean his legacy is being someone who couldn't take a bit of banter so started acting like a child and got away with elbowing an opponent? Everyone involved is at fault but the guy who acted like an enraged animal (he did) running around being aggressive is the one who gets off scot free? That is privilege right there. So long as you are the right skin colour, you get away with starting a fight and elbowing someone. He let his mouth and elbows do the talking instead of his feet and skills. He could have silenced the whole stadium by beating Valencia singlehandedly but he chose literal violence. He was provoked and acted exactly how they wanted him to. With anger and stupidity. And he is being praised for it. If it was a flipped situation, no one would be on the white player's side.

[@r9trstvr9trstv71]

@@arugono david aliba ,rodrigo, samuel eto and dani alves and roberto calos in turkey and lukaku in Italy sterling, saka in England were the problem too.

[@amc8437]

He has the spirit of Mohamed Ali, transcending sport.

[@DmagAdv]

@@arugono We are not talking about dealing with banter. We are talking about RACISM. And if I’m not mistaken by your reply, you are not a Vini fan. But that’s ok, we all have our preferences. Though regardless of your preferences, you cannot deny the fact that La Liga has finally done more in the last 24 hours about racism than they have in La Liga history. And that is all because of what transpired in Valencia and how Vini has finally decided that enough is enough.

[@arugono]

@Dmag I like him as a player. Not his antics. Same with Neymar. Great player. Tends to do things that kinda colour his image.

[@manchesterunitedfirst8274]

This shows how the French and English championships have evolved compared to La Liga and the Serie A in terms of racism.

[@brenorodrigues9754]

@Vjy Vjy lmao...

[@BlackBelkan]

​@Vjy Vjy which is still terrible but it's not racist. Also LaLiga been doing that, remember Barça at Valencia in 2017? Bottles flew everywhere

[@acholnai9358]

have you forgotten the bashing of english players after loosing to Italy on the penalties. Europe in General have not fully evolved yet as much as you like to think so. peace

[@matildabrookman-amissah3036]

@Vjy Vjy it's got nothing to do with racism

[@devronwhilby1653]

Throwing bottles at a player because you believe the players sucks as a football player is way different than throwing bottles at them because you don’t like their skin color .

[@ultimatist]

Vini is a courageous man, but I'd love to see his team stand more firmly behind him, on field, and with the media. Leaders like Modric, Kroos, Benzema should call for accountability at the league leadership level.

[@mannyyard9882]

Silence is consent. They are not his friends, just his teammates on the pitch. Whenever these things happen, look at the teammates that does nothing, they endorse the behaviour.

[@terrencekemble3539]

Facts

[@subbuac7621]

And club leadership levels

[@mossamomand-ji3sr]

We stand with Vini against racism

[@fbmuzic5718]

Sid Lowe, is an impeccable journalist. Greatest contributor to this show after Dan Thomas.

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

He mad excuses during the Atletico incident.

[@SeanyMack]

Sid Lowe is the same smear merchant over the basketball photo, get outta here

[@fuegofelix9293]

@@SeanyMack elaborate pls

[@kristiantello]

wipe your mouth bro

[@SeanyMack]

Writer for the guardian, thats says plenty LOL

[@jadsru1]

Best ESPN FC episode ever. I'm very glad yuu guys have kept this topic in the forefront over the past week, giving it all this air time and not sweeping it under the rug as just another racist abuse story. Bravo to Vini and Kudos to the ESPN fc crew for being so passionate about this sensitive subject, specially Sid for articulating his thoughts and feelings so well. It is apparent how he's passionate about this topic as you can palpate his emotions in this segment.

[@vcfootball21]

Vinicius with powerful words and making a change! No racism in the beautiful game!

[@rh81454]

We also need to do our part and boycott la liga and Spain until we get more concrete changes. The fact that people who know this game and league are being televised around the world to do racist bs like this just goes to show you what Spain really is a racist country.

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: Anti Semitism - Sternly dealt with Racism,Islamophobia - if not Equally Sternly dealt with Equality,Elitist?

[@Dinozor3]

he should be acting respectfull towards other players and fans. like human not monkey

[@mebansharaisantasticokhong7312]

​@@Dinozor3 Incel go touch grass and learn some useful skills

[@SerialChiller12101]

@@Dinozor3 He actually does why do you think when he plays teams in Europe they are hugging and in good spirits around him just look at Haaland’s interaction with Vini off and on the pitch. The only one acting like an animal is you spewing your hate for no reason seek help.

[@joshsittrop6357]

I take my hat off for Vini, what a player, and more importantly, what a person, with this kind of strength

[@kadarabdullahi]

I was watching a video on the weekend after the Valencia match, a reporter asks Vinnie: Are you going to apologize to the Valencia fans? Vinnie just replied are you stupid lol!!

[@Dan-mx9bv]

They actually asked him that?!!

[@BlackBelkan]

​@@Dan-mx9bv they did, I have seen the video as well

[@Dan-mx9bv]

@@BlackBelkan unbelievable

[@sadok2256]

Arrest after 4 months, now they remember, total hypocrisy

[@rh81454]

It is Spain, they're not the smartest cookies.

[@brenw3064]

Red card cancelled🤔, ref who handed it to him while listening to the abuse he was taking the abuse should be banned from ever reffing a la liga matche ever again

[@Brightly747]

This is a slap on the hand. FIFA has to take action against the Spanish League

[@thomasjrgensen3165]

How many times i gotta say it,FIFA got nothing to do with club football in europe,its UEFA ffs

[@Brightly747]

@@thomasjrgensen3165 I stand corrected, thanks for clarification.

[@peterwilliams2858]

Good on Vini. They’re acting now because they’re afraid he’ll leave the league.

[@alanduncan1980]

I don't think they're acting now because they're afraid Vinícius will leave.

[@HarshvardhanKanthode]

​​@@alanduncan1980 if Vini leaves because of racism, a player who has been committed to Madrid since he was 16, the league will die. No other top poc player will come to LA Liga, forget Mbappe, Leao, Coman etc

[@Prasko131]

@@HarshvardhanKanthode You are clueless. If you think the league will die because of some mediocre player, you are only lying to yourself.

[@BlackBelkan]

​@@Prasko131 it surely would be a bad look, black players like Mbappé, Jude, Saka and many more might just decide not to play there. Which I agree, they shouldn't go there. It may sound surprising for you but people don't like being dehumanized daily due to the color of their skin. If you get the chance of making MORE money (Prem) while not hearing racist chants everyday maybe that changes your decision...

[@HarshvardhanKanthode]

@@Prasko131 Kid you don't know how the world works. Also Vini isn't a mediocre player, he's a top 3 player on form and most likely the best winger in Europe

[@sailormagic13]

People are comparing the “abuse“ Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi received during their time playing in Spain the abuse that Vinícius Jr. receives every time he wears a Real Madrid kit doesn’t compare to the insults that Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo face. It was over things that they could change, but with Vinícius the abuse that he has received, is solely based off of something beyond his control

[@alanduncan1980]

Who? Who is comparing the abuse Ronaldo and Messi received to the abuse that Vinícius Jr. receives?

[@christinecleavest9099]

​@@alanduncan1980believe me people were, trying to once again sweep this under rug.

[@christinecleavest9099]

@@ascoopamanuka not sure how much they have shown stateside or outside of Spain...it is more than some idiots, it is more than meaningless words. It goes beyond being called monkey with monkey noises and eat bananas remarks. Being called(English translation) a f***** n****, chants of die f**** n****; having your likeness being hung in effigy off a bridge, etc is a bit hard to ignore. He isnt the only player that has suffered but it has been the most severe recently. He has complained not once, twice but 9 times and nothing had been done. Enough was enough and thank goodness, La Liga's lack of addressing has been exposed.

[@BlackBelkan]

​@@alanduncan1980 check the replies, there are loads of racists apologists saying it's only "banter"

[@martinmcmartinezface4243]

BS. Cristiano was attacked about being Portuguese, he was called Gypsie for his dark skin, and many other things. Messi was attacked because of his health problems when growing up, because of his height, his Latin American origin and many others. But they are white so no one cares.

[@robertolyra]

The best comment so far over the topic is from this guy with the books behind him. Brazil is with Vinicius.

[@wiseonwords]

Sid Lowe is his name.

[@josjos6631]

I like Ancelloti, a respected and intelligent man standing on the side of his 22 yrs old player. He stood for him without ambiguity. It is not difficult to see how frustrated and upset over the situation. He gave him a valuable huge and help. While the opposite trener was controversial in his comments....

[@crownites]

That Valencias got the nerve to "condemn" their punishment, is otherworldly

[@oliveiram54]

Vini has incredible influence and power and it’s on full display. Amazing to see him use his power with such dignity and for justice.

[@euancoulter4345]

Vini is 22 years old and is already changing the way people think about this kind of event.

[@Prasko131]

He is not changing anything. No one really cares. It will be the same next season, people will forget about this. Maybe you are just new to football but it's been done many many times before.

[@mannyyard9882]

​@@Prasko131 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@saif19845]

@@Prasko131 exactly

[@saif19845]

@@mannyyard9882 no one asked for a face reveal

[@yogi2983]

I'm shocked that none of the players including the captains have ever come to Vini's aid. utterly disgraceful

[@Alain5445]

My friend wen paychecks is on the line they all quoit 😂😂

[@AnaCamp001]

Don't say what you don't know. All the team showed support to him, even last game Courtois told him that they will leave the game if he wanted to and Lucas Vazquez confronted the racist that was pitch line calling him that. Some players are not really vocal or confrontational like Modric or Kroos and we may wanto more publicly like with Benzema but the do support him. Also, is the first time in History that a club has decided to step on La Liga and directly go to court by their own means to fight against racial hate crimes, so Real Madrid is also doing stuff, thanks to that 6 referees have been fired and that's why sanctions have come soon. Don't make it like nobody supports him when Real Madrid and madridistas are all with him.

[@onome453]

Only couthour the keeper he said he was going to leave the pitch with Vin jr.

[@sasukebyak]

Lucas Vazques!!!!!!!!

[@muchacamara]

They do not care about the poor F ck.

[@kiing_tchalla444]

Lets be honest they only took action because the media attention vini got was huge and they saw some lawsuits coming

[@kC-wp1yd]

ESPN is fortunate to have Sid as a reporter. He is excellent and well informed.

[@vimalharidas9874]

So proud of my boy Vini for taking this on and forcing the change. 💪

[@nforsanda4205]

I love your passion Sid, if we had more people like you in the world we would much better place.... Respect

[@afrikengunner]

Lol they are only doing this because he went public and he had support! They need to have point deducted!

[@angelonikitaras2977]

ive followed Real Madrid since mid 80s i feel Vini wasnt supported well by his team mates earlier on in the season where he was been clearly targeted & kicked even with out the ball... If Ramos Pepe Casemiro were around he would of been protected better on the field, Secondly Benzy as captain has shone poor leadership qualities i can only imagine Ramos Gerrard or Keane would of acted better.. 3rdly Real Madrid should of had a plan in place if this happens the team walks seeing as the referee didnt completely end the game completely

[@nameno8735]

I am so sorry for Vinicious.

[@esslevi4227]

Now fire that Tebas guy as well

[@applesoranges559]

After hearing the horrific incident with Vinicius Jr. on the news I go to the Official Valencia CF channel to see if there is any remorse 4 wat the fans had done ... Instead I found n reported literally 9 DEATH THREATS to the immediate family of Vinicius Jr. ❗... That's how pathetic the situation there is n Im not any rival La Liga fan but jus a simple LFC supporter ..

[@J040PL7]

Etoo and Dani Alves suffered the same thing, this is a recurring thing over there

[@J040PL7]

@C Marvin ?? What are you on about 🤣 All I said was it happened before, no more, no less.

[@paulkaga6215]

Thx Vini💪🏿👏🏾Those haters made a so big mistake. They forgot that you play for a well known club( Real Madrid) and that you are right now the heart of the team. Any step you make a whole football world is watching and following you. Those racists who hate you and your people are going to be hunted and bring them to the quote.

[@scs2955]

Imagine being 22 and having to be an activist. This will save so many players to come. Proud of Vini 👏🏾👏🏾

[@Lacedaemonia]

Great episode. This is what happens when qualified people are in invited onto a show and given the space to provide thoughtful, knowledgeable responses to challenging issues and questions.

[@michaelanthonytollan]

all good , but they should o taken of 3 points as well from Valencia ....

[@platnumj]

Weird how the people from January have now suddenly been found and charged lol. At least some action has been taken I guess. On a different note, I hope this doesn't make Refs feel like they can't give him appropriate cards for fear of being labelled racist or losing their job.

[@barcavibes7514]

Yup exactly my thoughts all the actions being taken perfect but rescinding a red is going to set bad precedent in my opinion.

[@FountainOfYoot]

Spoken like true fans of La Racisma.

[@HORCHATA777SUBSCriBE]

Yea it’s sus that they found them that fast , or should I say it came to light that fast. But taken the red card away is poor decision, more like they should have suspended the other player for Valencia as well . At the end of the day it’s more of the var fault for not letting the ref see he entire picture

[@platnumj]

@@barcavibes7514 I don't mind the red card being rescinded but what I feel would be better (if they can do it) is to issue a red card to the player that had him in a choke hold prior. Both actions fall under "violent conduct"

[@Ayo.Ajisafe]

​@@platnumj Um perhaps you should familiarise yourself with the decision of the committee. Vini was given a YELLOW first. After the referee saw the VAR takes it was changed to a red. But it's the same in criminal court if you submit evidence that is dodgy/tampered with/ cops violated your rights...you could literally walk even though you did something. The ref changed his decision based on VAR evidence that was shown to be flawed. So flawed in fact that those operating VAR at the game have been fired..... I mean if your lawyer can't win that case he's not a lawyer.

[@Jut_tc]

Spain needs to grow as a society when it comes to racism.

[@safarit678]

It takes decades of re-education. Local Spanish outlets are less empathetic than English language ones we watch. This is a step in the right direction. Kudos to Vini for forcing this.

[@wirtzzz.10]

they got exposed 😂😂😂😂 lmao

[@luzuli4369]

Should have given a red card for the player that choked Vini instead of reversing the red.

[@benadjihoiriddineabdou5669]

There are some people in top position that I sincerely wonder how they got there but this Tebbas, I truly wonder how he managed to fool many people to believe that he was wise enough to lead the league because his reasoning is truly shocking. The way he comes out to attack everyone, regardless of whether he's right or wrong, is mind-blowing.

[@bugginoutrecordings321]

It’s not just the fans who have this racial bias but the refs and the Spanish system as well. This is not the first time Vinicius has been targeted and it won’t be the last.

[@martinmcmartinezface4243]

Vini has been targeted since he arrived at Madrid. No one (other than Real Madrid and RM fans) said anything until the abuse turned into racial abuse. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that now people are saying something but where the f were they before?

[@rosniper343]

It’s time to wake up and see that each individual has the power to change the world and stop putting up with the abuse ❤

[@armeldemir8263]

There is one thing that has to be done before the next season and that is that either Javier Tebas resigns or is forced to step down.

[@joshuaesposito5409]

Excellent news… great reporting guys..

[@ozoneA6]

Well done laliga for being ignorant, but then, acknowledging what truely took place and being "anti-ignorant". Well done. And well done to the world for standing against it.🌎🇹🇹😬🤷‍♂️👏👍💯

[@hemadribhusanamat9384]

Shaka and Sid , both very insightful with respect to this very sensitive issue. Happy to see them talking about this.

[@cydc08]

Zabby was rambling incoherent babble. Obviously very uncomfortable with the subject as you would expect from an Argentine with their historical records of racism smh ESPN not everyone is equipped for these conversations you just lost credibility by having him on the panel

[@iso460]

A mind of a footballer and person will always be connected. As Vini's confidence on the pitch increased by becoming the most important Madrid player, his confidenced off the pitch increased aswell. He's the star of the league and he's brave enough to confront them as its a serious matter. What a player, what a person! You can only have respect for him and support him whereever you can

[@ntokozosibanyoni1421]

Atletico Madrid's attacks on Vini should also be reviewed and looked into. No stone unturned

[@saif19845]

Cry

[@souravroy20236]

Bravo Vini! You're an inspiration!

[@rohitraghavan7552]

Sid lowe is so intelligent & articulate. I wish more journalists could learn from him. This is how reporting should be done. Keep it up Sid . Brilliant 👏👏

[@omatseyeugen5697]

See those books behind him? Reading is fundamental!

[@2melinc]

The sitting president of Laliga should resign or need to be resigned for his incompetency and reluctance to take actions against the racism.

[@eL--RaL]

Vini is THE Face of LaLiga and The most devastating player in the world.. Ballon d'Ors incoming!! 🙌🏿

[@cully84]

No he is not.let’s calm down now. Hasn’t a patch on a certain French footballer

[@kawhi2934]

@@cully84😂😂😂😂😂cry

[@cully84]

@@kawhi2934 very good, you spelt your one word response correctly 👏👏👏👏 hurt your brain didn’t it 😉🥴

[@rohangeorge712]

i would pick griezmann or lewandowski, but vini is also an insanely good player, def top 5 players in laliga currently.

[@kawhi2934]

@@cully84 says A uefalona dog 😭😭😭😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭

[@jimknight5420]

Ode to Vini The racists ugly comments cannot obscure Your beauty on the field Their malice and hatred of Your exquisite skills Their vile contempt of civilised behaviour Your proud and courageous stand Their feeble excuses to deflect blame and Their ignorance Your anger and passion reveals your sense of injustice In the shadows Their shameless, vile and cowardly acts In the light Your brave and noble resistance Their darkness will be exposed and illuminated by your brilliance.

[@ojiwaite116]

It’s sad that there had to be an uproar before la liga decided to step in

[@jaeger-gk3pc]

vini became a legend today

[@LinhasGerais]

Lesson for most part of Argentinian and Italian people too

[@oluwayemiharuna3703]

So proud of Vini for not taking it lying down and speaking out so firmly about it. This won't automatically stop racism in football but it is a step in the right direction.

[@darrylfrank7113]

This is the best I have learned and heard from espn for a long time.

[@hughwalcott546]

Come to Arsenal Vini...a proud history of support for black players.

[@subifyouhatetiktokandreddit234]

Stunning and Brave moment from Vinicius

[@yeghig.b]

Sid you are amazing as always...Vinicius is the Martin Luther King of today...vamos Vini, don't give up...

[@rmv9194]

Lets not exagerate mate

[@cadenhnc]

@@rmv9194 lmfaooo this man said MLK . It doesn't get any more hyperbolic does it🤣

[@richposports7030]

Awareness, you can't get careless. I remember saying that only inexperience would hamper Brazil 🇧🇷 in WC Qatar. ViniJr is maturing...along with Rodrygo, Martinelli, Guimares, Antony & Co...

[@otaviomarques6299]

This was the most intelligent conversation about the case I've seen. Thank you so much for your coverage and support on this crucial cause for our global society

[@bryanedore6030]

One man can change the world....

[@cvokoye]

When these things are happening, the bench players need to go take a picture of the section and provide that to the authorities. Plus post it online so we can have a go at them.

[@colet8940]

I don’t understand this, just ban the fans from attending for a couple games. They do it again, ban again. Let them miss out on big games for their stupidity and let their club get burned for it as well

[@mo7161]

Benzema as team captain had to take action and lead his team off the pitch. Now he just stood there, as the one player wearing an armband, not as a leader and example. Too bad.

[@youwaiyap2708]

Credit to Vinicius Jr 👍👍🙏🙏

[@peeceeh7]

This was a baby step . . . still a long way to go in combating racism.

[@mlopez4714]

If your life is in danger (choking)= no red card 🤷🏻‍♀️ seems fair to me.

[@richposports7030]

I like the QR code idea at Newcastle. Viva right minded, mindful, passionate football ⚽️ fans!!😊❤❤

[@Notbuyingitman]

They should be more clear that this has not been the Liga, this is a body that is above the Liga taking this decisions. Also, the partial closure may be completely moot because it will come down to local political authorities to enforce.

[@unassailable6138]

Who was that ref who ignored vini and the goalkeeper who chocked him, they should be banned for an year at least.

[@philiq18]

La Liga got nervous at the global attention Vini brought. Pity it had to come down to negative publicity for them to do the right thing. Kudos to Vini for standing up for himself and what's right and in the grand scheme of things for all black and players of colour in that league.

[@archipiratta]

This is so so sad. Spain/La Liga must do better!!! 😢

[@ClaudioTexas]

Lá liga lied because they never took action against the racism. Vini is suffering more than Year

[@claramitchell746]

Maybe I missed it, but FIFA needs to set the standard, as it were. Great discussion guys. I am cautiously optimistic!🌺❤️⚽️🇹🇹

[@MADGUNSMONSTER]

Start docking points is one component of what can be done. In moving teams down the table may force theor respective owners to WAKE UP.

[@matildabrookman-amissah3036]

I believe this sanction is a step in the right direction it's been long overdue. Things needs to change for the greater good

[@onome453]

I really want to appreciate Sid for his level of empathy and intellectual stands as to this racial issue. I don't know you in person but I love your response and answer to Dan' s question..Shaka big ups man ..always standing by. Thanks ESPN FC for pushing it rightly.

[@seanyeritsyan7290]

Love ESPN’s switcharoo… 2 weeks ago, Stevie, Craig Ale & others were talking about Vini’s “behavior” & “maturity” when it was clear as they he was getting abused. Now that there is such a reaction all of a sudden it’s different?

[@aradomweday9922]

ESPN my favorite leagues: 1. Premiere 👍 2. Champion 👍 3. Bundesliga 👍 4. Serea 👎 5. LaLiga 👎