Rio Ferdinand has urged football's authorities to take action after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was racially abused on Sunday.
The game between Valencia and Real at the Mestalla was halted after Vinicius informed the referee about abhorrent chants coming from home supporters. The Brazil international was visibly upset by the incidents and has called racism "normal" in LaLiga.
Several figures in football have come out in support of Vinicius, with Ferdinand also criticising the red card the Real star received at full-time. Vinicius was sent off after an incident involving Hugo Duro, despite the Valencia striker grabbing him in a headlock.
Ferdinand took to Instagram to offer his take on the matter. He wrote: "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 [what the f***]?
"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.
"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."
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Ferdinand then tagged several notable players in his post - including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - before adding: "Everyone... stand together loud and proud. Ignorant racist."
Ferdinand also posted his message on Twitter. Gary Lineker replied: "Once again, the player being abused is the only person to be punished."
Ferdinand's take comes after Vinicius called on LaLiga to take action against racism. He wrote: "It wasn't the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in LaLiga. The competition thinks it's normal, the federation does too and the opponents encourage it.
"I'm so sorry. The championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano and Messi today belongs to racists. 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 everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here."
Astonishingly, LaLiga's president Javier Tebas replied: "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."
Vinicius then replied: "Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me. As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken.
"See the responses to your posts and have a surprise... Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I'm not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Hashtag doesn't move me."
