On October 5, 2023, the Valencia-based newspaper Diario AS published a shocking front cover featuring Brazilian footballer Vinicius Junior. The cover showed Vinicius with a monkey face and the headline “Vinicius: ‘They call me monkey because I’m black. Exlpore Fight Against Racism in Football.
The cover was published shortly after Vinicius testified in court about an incident in which he was racially abused by a fan during a match against Real Valladolid in May 2023. The fan was later fined €4,000 by the Spanish Football Federation.
The cover of Diario AS sparked widespread outrage, with many people condemning it as racist and disrespectful. Vinicius’ club, Real Madrid, released a statement condemning the cover, calling it “unacceptable” and “racist.”
The cover also drew criticism from other clubs, players, and organizations. The Spanish Football Federation said that it was “deeply sorry” for the cover and that it would be investigating the matter.
Fight Against Racism Context of the cover
The cover of Diario AS is a stark reminder of the racism that still exists in football. Vinicius is one of the most high-profile footballers in the world, and he has been the target of racial abuse on a number of occasions.
In 2022, Atlético Madrid fans racially abused Vinicius.
The racism that Vinicius has faced is not unique. Other footballers, such as Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Raheem Sterling, have also been the target of racial abuse.
The racism that exists in football is a problem that needs to be addressed. Football is a global sport, and it should be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected.
Reaction to the cover
The cover of Diario AS was met with widespread condemnation from people on social media, with many calling it “racist” and “disgusting.”
“This is absolutely disgusting,” one person tweeted. “How can a newspaper publish such a racist cover? It’s a disgrace.”
“This is a disgrace to journalism,” another person tweeted. “Diario AS should be ashamed of themselves for publishing this racist cover.”
Vinicius Junior himself has not yet commented on the cover, but his club, Real Madrid, has condemned it.
In a statement, Real Madrid said: “Real Madrid CF condemns in the strongest terms the racist and xenophobic expressions published on the cover of Diario AS this morning.
“Our club has always condemned any form of violence or discrimination, both within and outside of sport. We believe that sport should be a place for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
“We call on Diario AS to apologize for this unacceptable publication.”
The Spanish Football Federation also condemned the cover, saying that it was “deeply sorry” for the incident and that it would be investigating the matter.
Implications for the fight against racism in football
The cover of Diario AS is a reminder of the importance of fighting racism in football. Football is a global sport, and it should be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected.
The cover has also highlighted the need for the media to be more responsible in its reporting. The media has a powerful role to play in shaping public opinion, and it is important that it uses its platform to promote tolerance and understanding.
The cover of Diario AS has also shown the solidarity that exists within the football community. Many clubs, players, and organizations have condemned the cover, and this shows that there is a growing determination to fight racism in football.
At The End….
The cover of Diario AS is a shocking and unacceptable example of racism in the media. It is important to remember that racism is never acceptable, and we must all work together to combat it.
The cover has also highlighted the importance of fighting racism in football and the need for the media to be more responsible in its reporting.
Also, The solidarity that has been shown by the football community in condemning the cover is a positive sign. It shows that there is a growing determination to fight racism in football.
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