Dani Alves has claimed that the European football is “full of racists” as he responded to the racist abuse Vinicius Jnr was targeted with in Spain.
Real Madrid's 22-year-old forward was targeted with a racist slur by agent Pedro Bravo, who said during an El Chiringuito discussion of the Brazil international that "in Spain, you have to respect rivals and stop playing the monkey".
Following a backlash alleging that this was a racist stereotype, Bravo has subsequently apologised on social media by claiming that he misused a metaphor. It has opened a discussion across Spain and further afield of the language and attitude applied towards footballers with racial undertones.
Vinicius Junior has vowed to keep his goal dancing celebrations as they show "the happiness of a black Brazilian in Europe", with his celebrations similar to those of his fellow Brazilian stars over the years – including international teammate Neymar.
Indeed, the Paris Saint-Germain star took to Twitter to defend his Vinicius: "Dribble, dance and be you! Happy just the way you are. Go for it my boy, next goal we dance." Meanwhile, Brazil legend Pele added: "Football is joy. It's a dance. It's a real party. Although racism still exists, we will not allow that to stop us from continuing to smile."
However, Alves has now gone further in his reaction to the fallout from Bravo’s comments in Spain by hitting out at the culture within European football. The right-back – who is currently playing for Mexican club Pumas having joined from Barcelona earlier this year – has stated that he experienced elements of racism everywhere he went on the continent.
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Alves wrote on Twitter: “It is serious that there are idiots who continue to think that the dances are the problem. Gentlemen, the real problem is that Europe is full of RACISTs and they do not accept that other nationalities stand out in their country more than they do. I experienced that in almost every place there.”
A statement from Real Madrid added that they condemned "regrettable and unfortunate comments made against our player" and would take legal action against anyone making racist comments towards members of their squad. The Brazilian Football Federation called for "dancing, dribbling and above all respect" in a statement of solidarity.
Brazil's legendary striker Ronaldo, formerly of Real Madrid, joined in the condemnation of the abuse directed at Vinicius: “Your dances do not disrespect anyone, racism does: it disrespects, excludes, hurts and kills.”
