Mayor of Madrid responds to Vinícius: “You have to apologize”
José Luis Martínez-Almeida says player must rectify his statements regarding changing the World Cup venue due to racism in Spain
Vinícius Jr. caused controversy by arguing that the 2030 World Cup — organized by Spain, Portugal and Morocco — should change location if there is no improvement in the neighboring country regarding racism, a position that was not well received by the mayor of Madrid.
“We are aware that there are racist incidents in society and that we must work hard to eliminate these racist incidents. But it is deeply unfair to Spain and, in particular, to Madrid, to say that we are a racist society and, furthermore, to jeopardize the celebration of the 2030 World Cup. I ask you to rectify [your words],” said José Luis Martínez-Almeida, quoted by the Spanish press.
“He has to rectify it, apologize. And know that when there is a racist incident he will have us all on his side, but he will not have us all on his side when he says we are racist. Because that is not right. When someone makes a mistake they have to rectify it,” he reinforced, regarding the suggestion left by the Real Madrid forward .
