Rio Ferdinand took to Instagram to share a powerful and defiant message of support for Vinicius Jr after he was racially abused at the weekend.
The 22-year-old Real Madrid winger was sadly subjected to racist chants and abuse from a group of Valencia fans during their game against Los Blancos on Sunday, after which he went on to be sent off for an understandably emotional reaction which was judged to be ‘violent conduct’.
After the young Brazilian reacted to the abuse pitchside, which had been simmering throughout the game, and tried to get the referee’s attention, things boiled over with chaotic scenes ensuing with players from both sides getting involved in a huge grapple and people having to be separated.
Equally concerning was Vinicius Jr’s treatment by Valencia’s Hugo Duro, who effectively choked him by wrapping his arm around his neck. Following the incident, Ferdinand shared an emotional message expressing his “disgust” at the behaviour and how it was handled, stating his solidarity with the footballer.
As you can see, beyond being obviously disappointed to see yet more racist abuse in La Liga and football in general, the former Manchester United defender called upon the league and other football authorities to do more to combat this continuing blight on the game.
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“Rio began the post by writing: Bro you need protecting….who is protecting Vini Jr in Spain?? He receives a red card after being choked and receiving racial abuse during the game….wtf.
“How many times do we need to see this young man subjected to this s***?? I see pain, I see disgust, I see him needing help… and the authorities don’t do s*** to help him.
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“People need to stand together and demand more from the authorities that run our game. No one deserves this, yet you are allowing it. There needs to be a unified approach to this otherwise it will be swept under the carpet AGAIN.” Tagging dozens of accounts he urged everyone to “stand together loud and proud.”
As for Vini Jr himself, he shared a deeply saddening statement on Instagram, writing: ” It wasn’t the first time, not the second and not the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, so does the Federation and the opponents encourage it.
“The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi, today belongs to the racists. A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and I love, but which is projecting an image of a racist country the image to the rest of the world world.
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“Sorry for the Spaniards who do not agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, with everything that happens on a weekly basis, I have no way to defend myself. I’m strong and will go to the end against the racists even though that day seems far away.
We stand with Vinicius Jr and all victims of racism — let’s kick racism out of football forever.
You can the horrific incident in full down below:
Rio Ferdinand, Brazil teammate Casemiro and many others are calling for more protection for Vinicius Jr, who has been serially targeted with racist abuse.
Cheshire Police said in a statement: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May).
“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.
“Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled.
“The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29).”
Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United
Danny Jones
Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.
Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.
The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.
However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.
At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.
Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”
As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.
He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.
The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.
Danny Jones -
22nd May 2023 
