Arsenal News: In response to racial taunts directed at Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior, Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus dedicated his goal celebration during the match against Brentford to his fellow Brazilian international.
Vinicius, 22, has vowed to continue his goal dance celebrations because they represent “the delight of a black Brazilian in Europe”. His celebrations are comparable to those of other Brazilian players over the years, such as Neymar, his international teammate.
Speaking about the Brazil international at El Chiringuito, agent Pedro Bravo used a racial slur against the Real Madrid striker, saying “in Spain, you have to respect your rivals and stop playing the monkey.”
Bravo has already apologized on social media, saying he used a metaphor incorrectly, following criticism that it was a racial stereotype.
Arsenal News: What did Jesus say?
It has sparked a debate about the use of language and behavior towards soccer players that has racial connotations throughout Spain and beyond. According to Dani Alves, racial stereotypes are prevalent in European football.
Arsenal’s Jesus, who was left out of Brazil’s most recent international squad but is scheduled to be picked for their World Cup squads, paid tribute to his international teammate with a headed goal against the Bees on Sunday.
The striker scored his team’s second goal against Brentford with a header on Sunday and celebrated by dancing in honor of Vinicius and the hatred he harbored for doing so against the Whites.
Jesús said after the match: “We made it clear right away that we intended to create chances and score goals. I think that’s what we did.
“He found me for the goal and I am very happy to play with him because he is an intelligent and talented player. He has to stop, and the celebration went to my friend Vinicius Jr.
What did Real Madrid say?
Real Madrid said in a statement that it would sue anyone who made racist comments about a member of its team and that it denounced the “regrettable and sad insults against our athlete”.
In a statement of support, the Brazilian Football Federation encouraged “dancing, haggling and, above all, respect.”
Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, a legend in Brazil, joined the chorus of players who denounced Vinicius’ treatment, saying: “Your dances don’t offend anyone; racism does: it disrespects, excludes, hurts and kills”.
