News Trending

Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr expressed feeling increasingly reluctant to continue playing football due to the persistent racist abuse he has endured. Despite facing ten reported incidents of racism in La Liga last season, the 23-year-old remains determined not to let racism drive him away from Real Madrid or Spain. Vinicius emphasized his commitment to staying in Spain to defy the racists and asserted that leaving would only serve their agenda. He acknowledged the difficulty of moving past the abuse and stated his dwindling enthusiasm for playing the sport.

Vinicius’s resolve to remain in Spain was reinforced as Brazil prepared to face Spain in an international friendly at the Santiago Bernabeu, coinciding with an anti-racism campaign titled ‘One skin’. Real Madrid recently filed a complaint against a referee for allegedly omitting racist abuse directed at Vinicius from his match report, though Osasuna denied such claims.

The winger has faced numerous instances of racism in recent seasons, including chants from Atletico Madrid fans and fines and stadium bans for offenders involved in racially motivated incidents. This season alone, reports of racist abuse have surfaced during matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, and Valencia.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Real Madrid has lodged a formal complaint against the referee overseeing their recent match against Osasuna, alleging that he omitted instances of racist abuse directed at forward Vinicius Jr from his match report. The club asserts that the insults were intentionally disregarded by the referee, despite being brought to his attention by Real Madrid players during the game. Real Madrid condemns these incidents of racism and demands decisive action to address and eliminate such behavior.

The complaint is part of a broader effort by Real Madrid to combat racism in football. They have also reported alleged racist insults from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona fans, adding this latest incident to their existing complaint filed with Spanish legal authorities. These actions follow a pattern of racist abuse targeting Vinicius in recent seasons, including instances during matches and off the field, resulting in fines and stadium bans for offenders.

Vinicius Jr, who scored twice in the match against Osasuna, has unfortunately been subjected to racist abuse on multiple occasions, prompting Real Madrid to call for comprehensive measures to eradicate such behavior from the sport.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has announced that he will step down from his position at the end of the season. The decision comes after a 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal, leaving Barcelona 10 points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Despite winning the Spanish title in his first full season in charge, Xavi believes the club needs a change in dynamic for the benefit of both the players and the board of directors.

Xavi, a former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, has been a loyal figure for the club, but he feels it’s time to prioritize his mental health. The 44-year-old, who won 25 honors during his playing career at Barcelona, will officially leave on June 30, even though he has a year left on his contract. Xavi stated that the demanding nature of the club, combined with the pressure of the job, has taken a toll on him, and he believes it’s the right moment to step back.

The decision comes after Xavi had previously mentioned that he would “pack his bags” if his players lost faith in him. Despite a response with back-to-back wins, recent defeats in the Copa del Rey and La Liga have led to his departure announcement. Xavi hopes that by revealing his decision now, it will de-escalate tensions and provide a solution for the rest of the season.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague suggests that Xavi, being a true Barcelona fan and having won the league, may not manage any other team. Balague raises questions about Xavi’s readiness for the Barcelona job, as the club’s president, Joan Laporta, did not initially choose him. The loss of key personnel within the club and the lack of a defined playing style have contributed to the challenges faced by Xavi during his tenure. Balague concludes that Xavi will need to reflect on whether the conditions were right for him to succeed or if his own readiness for the role played a part in the challenges faced.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Jude Bellingham played a crucial role in inspiring Real Madrid to a comeback victory against Almeria, who initially took a surprising 2-0 lead at the Bernabeu with goals from Largie Ramazani and Edgar Gonzalez. Bellingham scored a penalty in the 57th minute, and Vinicius Jr equalized 10 minutes later. In the ninth minute of added time, Bellingham’s header set up Dani Carvajal for the winning goal.

The dramatic win briefly put Real Madrid at the top of the table, but Girona reclaimed the summit with a 5-1 win over Sevilla. Both Bellingham and Artem Dovbyk of Girona now share the top scorer spot in La Liga with 14 goals each.

Almeria’s midfielder Gonzalo Melero expressed frustration, claiming his team was “robbed” due to several VAR decisions going against them. Goalscorer Gonzalez also emphasized the need for fairness in the competition. Despite Real Madrid being expected to dominate against Almeria, the visitors shocked the hosts with an early goal and extended their lead in the 43rd minute.

Real Madrid’s debatable penalty, awarded after VAR intervention, allowed Bellingham to score from the spot. Controversial goals, including one from Vinicius Jr initially ruled out for handball, further fueled Almeria’s discontent. Almeria boss Gaizka Garitano was sent off for dissent as Real secured the victory in the ninth minute of injury time.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Almeria’s frustration but defended the VAR decisions, describing the game as strange and citing fatigue in his team during the first half.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that banning football clubs from joining a European Super League (ESL) was unlawful, asserting that UEFA and FIFA were “abusing a dominant position.” The case was brought by the ESL and its supporters, who argued that UEFA and FIFA were violating competition law by threatening sanctions against those participating in the breakaway league.

The ECJ, the highest court in the European Union, found against UEFA and FIFA, stating that this did not automatically approve a breakaway league. This decision is perceived as a setback to the authority of UEFA and FIFA in governing the game.

UEFA expressed confidence in the strength of its rules implemented since the ESL proposal, assuring compliance with relevant European laws. They trust that football’s existing structure will be protected against breakaway threats by European and national laws.

Barcelona, one of the original ESL clubs, sees the verdict as paving the way for a new competition. ESL backers A22 have released revised proposals, including a women’s European tournament with a league system involving promotion and relegation for both men’s and women’s competitions.

The initial ESL, designed as a midweek competition with 12 founding clubs, faced backlash for exclusive privileges and perceived greed, leading to widespread protests. The ECJ report emphasizes that FIFA and UEFA must ensure transparent, objective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate powers when new competitions potentially enter the market.

The report states that FIFA and UEFA, lacking such criteria, are abusing a dominant position, and their rules on approval, control, and sanctions are unjustified restrictions on the freedom to provide services. However, the ruling does not specifically address the approval of the Super League project.

Bernd Reichart, CEO of A22, claims the ESL has won the right to exist, asserting that UEFA’s monopoly is over, and clubs are now free from sanctions and able to determine their future. Real Madrid, still interested in the ESL, welcomed the ruling, stating that clubs are now the “masters of their own destiny.”

The ESL controversy began in April 2021, involving 12 teams, including English giants. Despite initial fines by UEFA, the plans collapsed within 72 hours due to widespread condemnation. Real Madrid and Barcelona remain interested in the ESL, while La Liga emphasizes the need for an open format in European football.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Chelsea FC is set to kick off their Champions League journey with an away match against Real Madrid on 15 November. This is the second consecutive year that Emma Hayes’ team has been grouped with Real Madrid, having secured a draw away and a victory at home in the previous season. Following their group stage triumph, Chelsea advanced to the 2022-23 semi-finals, whereas Real Madrid failed to progress after finishing third in their group.

Uefa released the group-stage fixture dates on Saturday following Friday’s draw, scheduling matches to take place between 14 November and 31 January. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages. As the sole British representative in this season’s group stages, Chelsea’s first home game is against Paris FC on 23 November, with subsequent fixtures against BK Hacken, both home and away on 14 and 20 December respectively. The team will then host Real Madrid on 24 January and conclude their group stage campaign with an away match against Paris FC on 30 January.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Real Madrid’s players and fans stood in solidarity with Vinicius Jr after he was racially abused during a match against Valencia. In their first game since the incident, the players wore Vinicius’s number 20 shirt, while anti-racism messages were displayed on armbands worn by the captains.

Supporters chanted Vinicius’s name in the 20th minute, and players from both teams held a sign that condemned racism in football. Vinicius, who missed the match due to injury, was applauded as he entered the pitch and later expressed his gratitude on Instagram.

Real Madrid won the game 2-1, with Rodrygo scoring the winning goal and making a black power salute in celebration. La Liga president Javier Tebas apologized to Vinicius for his handling of the situation, and the league announced plans to seek more powers to punish racism.

Valencia was sanctioned with a partial stadium closure and a fine. Prior to other matches, players and officials displayed banners against racism, and Barcelona’s Raphinha showed support for Vinicius when he was substituted.

Picture Courtesy: google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Three individuals have been arrested by Spanish police in connection with racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid footballer Vinicius Jr during a recent match. The detained individuals are between the ages of 18 and 21, as reported by the police on Twitter. Vinicius Jr, who is black, has been subjected to racist abuse on multiple occasions throughout the season, and the latest incident during an away match against Valencia has sparked outrage in Spain and Brazil.

During the match, Vinicius reported the abusive behavior of opposition fans to the referee, leading to a temporary pause in the game. Following the match, Vinicius expressed his frustration, stating that “La Liga belongs to racists.” La Liga president Javier Tebas responded on Twitter, mentioning that Vinicius had failed to attend two meetings to discuss how the league could address racism and suggesting that proper information is necessary before criticizing and slandering La Liga. On the other hand, Luis Rubiales, the football federation chief, acknowledged that Spanish football has a serious racism problem that affects not only an individual but also entire teams, fan bases, clubs, and the country as a whole.

Spanish prosecutors will now determine whether to initiate a criminal investigation into the matter. The Brazilian government has expressed its outrage at the incident and has requested urgent meetings with Spanish ministers, prosecutors, and the football federation.

In a separate incident in January, four individuals were detained by Spanish police for hanging an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge in Madrid before a match between Real Madrid and their local rivals, Atletico Madrid. The effigy was suspended by its neck with a banner stating, “Madrid hates Real.”

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has spoken out against racism in La Liga after being subjected to racial abuse by opposition fans during a match against Valencia. Vinicius was sent off for violent conduct during the game, but his main concern was the racism he experienced. He took to Instagram to express his frustration, stating that racism is normalized in La Liga and that the championship now belongs to racists. He apologized to the Spaniards who do not agree with his view but stated that in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists due to the incidents that occur regularly in the league.

Valencia has identified two fans who racially abused Vinicius and is expected to impose permanent stadium bans on them. La Liga has promised to investigate the incidents and take appropriate legal action if necessary. The league’s president, Javier Tebas, criticized Vinicius for not attending a meeting to discuss the issue of racism, but the player responded by asking for actions and punishments against the racists rather than targeting him.

During the match, Vinicius attempted to point out the fans who were abusing him, leading to a temporary pause in the game. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment, stating that the entire stadium chanting racist slurs is unacceptable, and the match should have been stopped. Ancelotti called for an end to racism in football and said that Vinicius’ reaction was understandable given the circumstances.

Real Madrid issued a statement condemning the racist abuse suffered by Vinicius and filed a complaint with the State Attorney General’s Office, considering such attacks as hate crimes. They are seeking an investigation to determine the responsible parties.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright

News Sports Trending

Real Madrid claimed the Copa del Rey title after defeating Osasuna in the final in Seville, with Brazilian striker Rodrygo scoring twice to secure victory. Toni Kroos’ deflected shot fell to Rodrygo, who fired in the decisive goal from close range.

Despite a strong performance from Osasuna, who equalized through Lucas Torro, Real Madrid held on for the win. Rodrygo also opened the scoring for Real Madrid after just 106 seconds, marking the fastest goal in a Spanish cup final in 17 years. This victory marks Real Madrid’s first Copa del Rey win since 2014.

Osasuna, backed by nearly 25,000 fans inside the Estadio de La Cartuja, had their chances as they chased a first major trophy in their 103-year history.

They were denied a stoppage-time equaliser when Dani Carvajal produced a last-ditch block to keep out Kike Barja’s side-footed effort.

Los Rojillos, which translates as The Little Reds, had more shots on target (5) than Real (3), but Carlo Ancelotti’s side were ultimately more clinical in front of goal.

Victory for Real delivers a 20th Copa del Rey title as they now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester City.

Ahead of the Copa del Rey final, Osasuna fans flooded Seville with enthusiasm and support, but their team got off to a rocky start on the field. Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, who was back in the starting lineup along with four other changes from their previous match, posed a constant threat from the left flank. He set up Rodrygo for the opening goal after just two minutes of play.

Although Osasuna had a chance to equalize soon after, Abde Ezzalzouli missed the target with his chipped effort. Osasuna eventually found the equalizer after the break when Lucas Torro scored against his former club, triggering enthusiastic celebrations among the red half of the stadium. The game was briefly paused due to a pyrotechnic issue involving Osasuna fans.

However, Real Madrid remained dangerous and eventually secured the victory thanks to a deflected shot from Toni Kroos that fell to Rodrygo to score his second goal of the match. With the La Liga title seemingly out of reach, Real Madrid will now focus on their upcoming Champions League match against Manchester City, hoping to welcome back Luka Modric from injury.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright