Ancelotti Addresses Racism in Spanish Football

Real Madrid’s commendable start to the season has brought attention to a notable shift in their approach: a reduction in aggression compared to the previous year. One aspect that stands out is the change in atmosphere surrounding Vinicius Junior, who was frequently subjected to racial abuse during away matches in the last season.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s Manager, shared his insights on this issue during an interview with Radio TV Serie A, as reported by Diario AS. When queried about racism in Spain, Ancelotti conveyed his belief that this problem must be eradicated, emphasizing the need to address and eliminate it.

Notably, Ancelotti observed that the atmosphere around Vinicius has improved in the early games of the season, with a decrease in incidents of insults and abuse.

He acknowledged the alterations in regulations concerning racism in football matches. Ancelotti remarked, “Hopefully it doesn’t happen, but there are rules that allow the referee to stop the match.” He also underscored his role in offering support to Vinicius during such distressing moments, recognizing the emotional toll such instances can take on players.

Last season, Vinicius experienced racial abuse during various matches, with a particularly significant incident at Mestalla. His brave response in calling out individual fans drew attention to the lack of protection and action against such abuse from officials and La Liga.

Ancelotti’s stance echoes the growing sentiment that racism has no place in football, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for players, fans, and the sport as a whole.