A former Arsenal star has taken to social media to apologise after he defended Valencia fans following vile racist abuse directed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
The match at the Mestalla was paused due to the Brazilian alerting the referee to 'monkey chants' being shouted from the packed crowd with Los Blancos eventually losing the game 1-0 in an encounter that was marred by the abuse. Vinicius himself took to social media to relay his anger and frustration at another incident of racial hate directed at him and called on La Liga to take action.
The 22-year-old was hit with a wave of support from the likes of Rio Ferdinand who condemned the abuse, but one former Arsenal defender, Gabriel Paulista, didn't cover himself in glory as after full time he snapped a picture of the stadium with the caption 'Mestalla, you're the best'.
Vinicius tweeted after the game on the abuse: "It wasn't the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. In football they think it's normal, the federation does too - and the opponent encourages it.
"I'm so sad. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Lionel) Messi today belongs to racism.
"A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I'm sorry for the Spaniards who don't agree but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for something that happens each week, I have no defence. I let it happen.
"But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if it is far from here."
LaLiga's president Javier Tebas sparked further controversy when he noted: "Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what it can do LaLiga in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself.
"Before criticising and insulting LaLiga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly Vinicius. Do not let yourself be manipulated and make sure you fully understand each other's competencies and the work we have been doing together."
Paulista previously apologised for a rash challenge on the Brazilian attacker in a game in February but has now taken to social media to respond after he was criticised following his post, he commented: "I'm not racist like many in Brazil, especially some forms of media, those who committed this act against Vini have to pay.
"About my post, I just celebrated a very important victory because we are living in a difficult year and I did not defend the racist act. I simply wanted to say that we should not blame an entire stadium, there were 45 thousand people and a small part of the fans committed this crime. I think not we owe it all to ourselves.
"Maybe I expressed myself badly that many didn't understand but that's it."
He followed it up with: "Total respect to @ViniJnr. Sure that many are interpreting something I didn't do. I went to celebrate a victory in front of a great rival in the excitement of the game wasn't the moment but as I said it it was the emotion."
Valencia confirmed in a statement they have identified and banned for life the fan who shouted the abuse.
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