Pep Guardiola Calls on LaLiga to Learn from Premier League in Addressing Racist Abuse

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has urged LaLiga to take lessons from the Premier League in combating racism following the distressing incident of abuse directed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. during the team’s 1-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday.

Vinicius was unfortunately subjected to disgusting abuse from fans during the match, although the Brazilian player’s red card, which resulted from a scuffle with opposition players, was later rescinded.

The footballing community has rallied behind Vinicius, with several LaLiga teams displaying anti-racism banners before their matches to show solidarity with the talented winger.

Guardiola, amidst these gestures, believes that LaLiga should learn from the strict measures implemented by the Premier League to combat such instances of abuse. Speaking on Friday, he remarked, “They should [learn from the Premier League]. Here they are so strict [on fighting racism]. They know what they have to do. This is a problem everywhere.”

The Manchester City boss emphasized the need for societies to treat individuals as human beings and acknowledged the prevalence of racism worldwide. He added, “For all generations everywhere. Our ancestors come from migrants, wars and have to move on from countries. Build families there and come back to where you’re born. The problem is that there is racism everywhere. We all need to treat people as human beings, but we are far away from that. Hopefully, we can get better in Spain, but I’m not optimistic.”

LaLiga president, Javier Tebas, faced criticism for his response to Vinicius’ statement, where the player claimed that ‘racism is normal’ in the league. Tebas defended LaLiga, stating, “We have tried to explain to you what LaLiga is and what it can do in cases of racism, but you have not shown up to either of the two agreed dates that you yourself requested. Before criticizing and insulting LaLiga, you need to inform yourself properly, Vinicius. Don’t let yourself be manipulated and make sure you understand the work we have been doing together.”

Tebas has since asserted that if LaLiga had the ‘necessary powers,’ they could reduce the number of racist incidents within six or seven months. He emphasized the league’s commitment to combating racism and their desire to be able to punish individuals who engage in racist behavior. Tebas stated, “We want powers; we don’t want to hide on the issue of racist insults. It’s not enough for us only to be able to file complaints; we want to be able to punish anyone who shouts racist insults. We will keep trying to make sure nobody in any stadium shouts racist insults. Eliminating this problem 100% will never be possible. The same way that totally eliminating robberies and other crimes is impossible, but we would reduce it a great deal, and if we were given the necessary powers, in six or seven months, we could say that we don’t have racism.”