According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, the Mayor of Madrid, José Almeida, has responded to recent remarks made by Real Madrid player Vinicius. Vinicius recently stated in an interview that if Spain’s racism problem is not resolved, then Spain should not be awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup. In response, Almeida demanded that Vinicius retract his statements, calling such claims incorrect.
Almeida said, “We all know that there is racism in society, and we need to work together to eliminate these issues. However, describing Spain, especially Madrid, as a racist society and threatening the hosting rights of the 2030 World Cup is very unfair. I hope he will correct his words. He must rectify and apologize. He knows that when faced with racist incidents, we will firmly support him, but if he says we are racists, we cannot support him. Because this is not true. When someone speaks wrongly, they should correct themselves.”
Almeida added, “Being an excellent football player does not mean he won’t make mistakes, and this time he was wrong. Vinicius has received the support of most Spaniards in fighting against racism, but when he labels the entire Spanish society, particularly the residents of Madrid, as racists, we cannot agree with such views. I cannot accept such a statement.”
“He should realize that he lives in one of the most open, inclusive, and diverse cities in the world. The characteristic of Madrid is that no one here asks where you come from or where you are going. Here, no one suffers discrimination or exclusion. Although he may have encountered some regrettable incidents, this does not mean he has the right to label the entire Spanish society as racist and declare that the 2030 World Cup should not be held here.” Almeida concluded.
Mayor of Madrid: Vinicius Must Immediately Apologize; He Cannot Label All of Spain as Racist. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/29815.html
