News about Vinicius Jr. suffering horrific racist abuse at the Estadio Mestalla during Real Madrid’s game against Valencia on Sunday has taken the sporting world by storm. Numerous big names around the world have condemned the abuse and shown solidarity to the Brazilian superstar, including seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton, however, is habituated to racist abuse from Spanish fans. Back in the 2007 season, a rookie Hamilton was engaged in a title battle with defending two-time champion Fernando Alonso. Alonso had a proud Spanish fanbase behind him and they resorted to disgusting means to get inside Hamilton’s head.
At the Spanish GP weekend that year, Alonso’s fans racially abused a young Hamilton who was gearing up for his first-ever F1 race at the Circuit de Catalunya. Pictures of the people in Barcelona who were racially abusing Hamilton became viral all over social media. They resurfaced recently after Hamilton posted a message in support of Vinicius Jr.
Lewis Hamilton suffered racist abuse at the hands of Spaniards
Rivalries in F1 are common, and the best drivers of a particular generation often go toe to toe in their quest for glory. However, the ugly side of the sport comes into light when fans resort to demeaning acts, such as racist abuse. Hamilton and Alonso’s title battle was great for the fans who were tuning into watch quality racing action.
However, four disgraceful individuals decided to cross the line when they arrived at the circuit to support Alonso. They painted themselves in black, and put on black wigs. All of them also wore matching t-shirts that read, “Hamilton’s Family.”
No serious action was taken against the people who racially abused Hamilton all those years ago. Thankfully, the Vinicius Jr. situation in Spain at the moment has caught the world’s attention. Several current and former athletes complaining about how Spain has ignored racism for far too long.
What happened to Vinicius Jr.?
Vinicius Jr. is one of the most talented soccer players in the world. The Real Madrid youngster dazzles crowds and viewers with his flamboyant skills, with a smile on his face. However, on numerous occasions this season, he has been subject to brutal racist attacks from entire stadiums at once.
Vinicius complained about facing abuse while playing away at Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona, Real Valladolid, and now Valencia too. Despite the outcry, La Liga president Javier Tebas remains shockingly ignorant and continues to blame the young Brazilian for not behaving appropriately.
However, with the likes of Hamilton and other sporting legends joining in on Vinicius’ campaign against hate, it should only be a matter of time before some strict action is taken.
