We must trust that civilization is progressing properly towards a better world, with more respect and more values, although sometimes there are isolated facts that call everything into question. But these episodes can end up acting as catharsis and hopefully an antidote to incivility and incivility. This reflection is overturned by what happened on Sunday in Valencia at the soccer match that featured Real Madrid player VinÃcius. Now it’s not about blaming all the Valencia fans, because racist shouts against players because of the color of their skin is a common thing in most stadiums. And it is not only Spain’s heritage, as our correspondents in Germany, England, France or Italy tell us today. The problem is that these other countries have been acting more rigorously and forcefully against these racist behaviors on football pitches for some time than in Spain.
The scandal that erupted in Valencia on Sunday should be used for the Football League and the Royal Spanish Football Federation to update their protocols so that these situations are cut off. But they are not the only ones to blame. The clubs must also take note and eradicate from their stadiums all fans who demonstrate a xenophobic attitude. And, it is also worth self-criticizing the media and paying more attention to these facts when they are repeated. Taking it as a joke, underestimating the problem with the argument that they are a minority or prioritizing the antipathy that any player can arouse before the insults he receives are practices that we have seen or heard in some football chronicles or broadcasts. No. This is a case that deserves zero tolerance and there should be a before and an after VinÃcius.
Racist attitudes in Spain are a reality despite the fact that they don’t like it and don’t want to acknowledge it. It would be comforting to think that it is a minority, but it is not true. And the answer cannot be silence and complacency. Racism must leave the football fields, as well as all the spaces where it continues to be present today.
