FORMER Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh and Barcelona manager Xavi have both spoke up against the racist abuse aimed at Vinicius Jr.
The Real Madrid forward was subjected to racist chants last night during his side’s 1-0 La Liga defeat to Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium.
Vinicius Jr was then sent off in added time after lashing out at a Valencia player who had him in a chokehold during a melee.
After the match, Vinicius, who has repeatedly been the object of racist abuse in Spain, criticised La Liga authorities for not taking enough action to stamp out the despicable offence.
The Brazil forward said La Liga had become a haven for racists who had been emboldened by a lack of consequence for their offensive behaviour.
Vinicius received support from several players and ex-players across Europe last night, including Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand and former England striker Gary Lineker.
Today, Oliseh, who spent all his professional career in Europe and has coached in Belgium and The Netherlands, added his voice to the ones of those supporting Vinicius and condemning the racists.
The former Super Eagles head coach called for drastic action to end the ugly trend, including jailing offenders.
“When will the authorities stop talking and act for Christ’s sake? Verbally abusing someone with a witness, you can get jailed plus a fine in the Western world,” Oliseh tweeted today.
“Why not jail time for racists? How do you stop an ill if there are no sanctions to deter the act? Keep your head up Vinicius.”
Xavi, despite the fierce rivalry between his Barcelona and Vinicius Jr’s Real Madrid, stood behind the victim today.
“Vinicius? Any act of racism, like the one we saw towards Vinícius, must be condemned. Before being a Real Madrid player, Vinicius is a human,” he said during a press conference today.
“You have to defend him and I use my position as the Barça coach to defend him.”
Like Oliseh, Xavi also suggested taking radical action to end the menace.
“If there is an insult, you have to stop the game. You have to stop all this and it’s time to say enough is enough,” the Spaniard added.
“I don’t have to put up with insults and impudence of all kinds during my working hours.”
