Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus dedicated his goal celebration against Brentford to Brazil international teammate Vinicius Junior in the wake of the Real Madrid forward being targeted by racist abuse.
Vinicius, 22, 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.
The Real Madrid 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. Dani Alves commented that racial stereotypes were in place across European football.
Arsenal striker Jesus – who has been omitted from the most recent Brazil international squad, although it is expected he will be recalled for their World Cup callups – dedicated his headed goal against the Bees on Sunday to his international teammate.
Jesus headed home Mikel Arteta’s side’s second goal of the game against Brentford on Sunday and celebrated in style by doing a dance celebration in honour of Vinicius, and the abuse he suffered for doing so for Los Blancos.
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Jesus said after the game: "From the start we showed what we want to do in the game, create chances and score. That is what I believe we did. He found me for the goal and I am so happy to play with him, he is an intelligent and quality player. The celebration was for my guy Vinicius Jnr, it needs to stop and it was for him."
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.”
