Mikel Camps, spokesperson for the Barcelona board, stirred up some controversy with his remarks against Vinícius Jr. These remarks from Camps add another layer to the ongoing struggle of Vinicius Jr. with racism in La Liga.
Camps took it to X to share his thoughts about the recent racism incident against Vinícius Jr. against Sevilla. He tweeted, “It’s not racism, he [Vinicius] deserves a slap for being a clown. What do these unnecessary and meaningless stepovers represent in the center of the field”? The original tweet was deleted by Camps after receiving instant backlash.
🚨 The deputy spokesperson of the Barcelona board Mikel Camps has launched a verbal attack on Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr:
🗣️ “It’s not racism, he deserves a slap for being a clown and a joker. What do these unnecessary and meaningless bicycles in the centre of the field?”… pic.twitter.com/3BapdJu6YX
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 25, 2023
The Brazilian winger was again subject to racism in a La Liga match when two Sevilla fans were caught on camera making monkey gestures towards the player. After the match, Vinicius Jr. came out publicly to condemn the actions of the fans.
He released a public statement that read, “The face of today’s racist is plastered on websites as on many other occasions. I hope the Spanish authorities do their part and change the legislation once and for all. These people must be criminally punished too”.
Parabéns ao Sevilla pelo rápido posicionamento e pela punição em mais um triste episódio para o futebol espanhol.
Infelizmente, tive acesso a um vídeo com outro ato racista na partida deste sábado, dessa vez praticado por uma criança. Lamento muito que não haja ninguém para… pic.twitter.com/azlZ7ccPNZ
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 21, 2023
The latest incident wasn’t the first time that a Brazilian has been subjected to racial abuse. He was subjected to monkey chants by Valencia fans in the 2022-23 season. During the same season, four people were arrested for hanging an effigy of Vinicius Jr. from a bridge.
Real Madrid has always spoken out in favor of their player, and the latest remarks from Mikel Camps were no different. It has been reported that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez will not attend El Clásico on October 28 in Barcelona in protest against the remarks.
Xavi condemns Mikel Camps’s racist remarks towards Vinicius Jr.
FC Barcelona‘s manager shared his thoughts on the remarks of Mikel Camps. He emphasized that he did not like the social media post from such an important spokesperson for the club.
The former Barcelona player spoke about the incident after his team’s 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on October 25. He acknowledged that the remarks add more tension around the game, which isn’t ideal.
Xavi commented, “I don’t have to say it, it’s been deleted, that says enough, that’s that. I don’t like anything that raises the tension, not (Madrid attempts) to condition the referees, nor this ‘tweet’. I like fair play, and mutual admiration”.
Barcelona Vice President Rafa Yuste apologizes to Vinicius Jr for Mikel Camps tweet about him:
“Even if the tweet was a mistake, it shouldn’t have been done. It’s an unfortunate tweet. If you’re listening to me Vini, it will never happen again.” pic.twitter.com/rt38OD2a0q
— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) October 25, 2023
Xavi wasn’t the only one from the Barcelona camp that reacted to the remarks. Barcelona Vice President Rafa Yuste apologizes to Vinicius Jr. for Mikel Camps’ tweet about him: “Even if the tweet was a mistake, it shouldn’t have been done. It’s an unfortunate tweet. If you’re listening to me Vini, it will never happen again.”
These remarks and reactions add more tension to the top-of-the-table clash this weekend between the eternal rivals. Real Madrid sits at the top of the table with Girona with 25 points, whereas Barcelona is third, just one point behind with 24 points. El Clasico this weekend can prove to be a pivotal game for this season’s La Liga title race.