Ancelotti calls for ´zero tolerance´ policy on racism after Vinicius abused

Carlo Ancelotti believes a “zero tolerance” policy needs to be taken against racism after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was abused by some Real Valladolid fans on Friday.

Madrid won the game 2-0 thanks to a Karim Benzema double, but shocking footage emerged after the final whistle of Vinicius being racially abused as he was substituted late on, while objects were also thrown at the Brazil international from the stands.

Vinicius voiced his frustration on social media over LaLiga bosses’ inaction in tackling racism, saying the league “continues to do nothing”.

Ancelotti agreed with Vinicius that racism needs to be stamped out with more action, though he stopped short of criticising LaLiga.

When asked if he had discussed the topic with the Brazil international, Ancelotti told reporters: “I don’t have to [talk to Vinicius].

“It’s quite clear to me. Racism shouldn’t exist, and xenophobia shouldn’t exist. Talking about it with Vinicius would be a mistake.

Os racistas seguem indo aos estádios e assistindo ao maior clube do mundo de perto e a @LaLiga segue sem fazer nada…
Seguirei de cabeça erguida e comemorando as minhas vitórias e do Madrid.
No final a culpa é MINHA. pic.twitter.com/5ztuTjP4s6

— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) December 31, 2022

“It’s society’s problem, it shouldn’t exist, for me it has to be zero tolerance.

“I don’t think it’s LaLiga’s problem. It’s a general, cultural problem in society. Society doesn’t have the education it should have.

“With such an important issue I wouldn’t focus on Vinicius or LaLiga or the punishments. It’s much bigger.”

A number of Madrid’s key players are set to run out of contract at the end of this season, including midfield pair Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Ancelotti is relaxed over their futures though, explaining: “Football is changing. When a player reaches the end of his contract it isn’t as worrying as it was a few years ago.

“A lot of players reach the end of their contract and it’s no problem, if they want to stay, they stay, and if they want to go, they go. Clubs aren’t so worried about that.”