Natalia Chi
Spanish Football League president Javier Tebas on Wednesday apologized to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior for his remarks that he attempted to downplay a racist altercation involving the Brazilian forward last weekend.
In various interviews with Brazilian TV stations, Tebas repeated his disappointment that his comments were “untimely” and “misunderstood”.
Shortly after Sunday’s incident, Tebas criticized Vinicius for attacking the Spanish league, claiming that the Real Madrid star did not show up for the racist-themed talks he wanted.
Now the Spanish executive regrets his remarks.
Vinicius said he was subjected to racist ridicule by fans in Valencia during Sunday’s 1-0 Spanish league defeat to Real Madrid, and that he had suffered similar abuse in the past.
“I have to say I was wrong,” Tebas told TV Globo. “We have to apologize and ask for forgiveness for that tweet. I want to protect and I will continue to do so.”
“If it happened because this tweet was misunderstood and many people took it differently, I have to apologize. Other than that, nothing else,” Tebas added.
In response to Tebas’ tweet on Sunday, Vinicius responded:
“The league president is showing up on social media and attacking me instead of criticizing racists,” Vinicius said. “I’m not the kind of friend who can talk about racism. I want action and punishment.”
The Brazilian didn’t immediately react to Tebas’ apology.
