Racism reducing my desire to play football: Brazil’s Vinicius

Racism reducing my desire to play football: Brazil’s Vinicius
Brazil's forward Vinicius Junior during a press conference on the eve of the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Ciudad Real Madrid training ground in Valdebebas, outskirts of Madrid, on March 25, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 26 March 2024
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Racism reducing my desire to play football: Brazil’s Vinicius

Racism reducing my desire to play football: Brazil’s Vinicius
  • Vinicius: I’ve been seeing this (racism) for a long time, and every time I feel sadder, and every time I have less desire to play
  • Spain will face Vinicius’ Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday under the slogan “One Skin” to help combat racism

MADRID: Brazil winger Vinicius Junior said his desire to play football was reducing as incidents of racial abuse aimed at him piled up in Spain, during a tearful media appearance Monday.

The Real Madrid forward has suffered abuse from opposition fans on many occasions in recent years, with one incident in Valencia in May provoking worldwide outrage.

Spain will face Vinicius’ Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday under the slogan “One Skin” to help combat racism.

“I’ve been seeing this (racism) for a long time, and every time I feel sadder, and every time I have less desire to play,” Vinicius told reporters.

The 23-year-old broke down in tears at one point after answering questions about the racist abuse he has suffered in different stadiums across Spain.

However later, Vinicius said he would not leave Spain and try playing in a different country to escape the abuse.

“I would be giving the racists what they want,” he said.

“I will stay at the best club in the world, scoring as many goals as I can so they keep watching me.”

Vinicius said he wished he could only think about his playing career.

“Playing football is very important but the fight against racism is hugely important,” he said.

“I want people of color to have a normal life and if that was the case, I would go to games with my club only focussed on playing.”

Earlier, Spain defender and Vinicius’ club teammate Dani Carvajal denied his country was not racist.

“I am sure that Spain is not a racist country but there are many racists here and many of them are in the stadiums,” said Vinicius.

“From the first time I complained about racism in Spain it’s been blowing up... they are insulting me over the color of my skin so I play worse on the pitch.

“They can say many other things to me and I wouldn’t say anything, I hope I can go to stadiums and not think about what could happen.”

He recently condemned Atletico Madrid fans for racist chanting aimed at him before their Champions League clash against Inter Milan earlier in March.

“It’s a sad reality that happens even during matches where I am not present,” said Vinicius on social media platform X.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said in November Vinicius has become “unfortunately used to” racism in Spain.

Carvajal said earlier he did not think his country was racist but also racist insults were the “ugliest” thing that exists in sport.

“Sadly there are people who go to football it seems to let loose all their rage, their anger,” said Carvajal.

“When it seems that it hurts someone, they do it more and it’s a pity.

“Those type of people should not be allowed into stadiums because it’s the ugliest thing that exists in sport.”

Spain lost 1-0 last Friday against Colombia in a friendly defeat as they continue preparations for Euro 2024.

Brazil coach Dorival Junior said 17-year-old starlet Endrick would not start against Spain but will likely get to make his bow at the home of his future club, Real Madrid.

Palmeiras striker Endrick, joining Vinicius at Madrid in the summer, scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over England in a friendly on Saturday.

“Endrick will not be a starter — without doubt he will bring a lot of joy to Real Madrid, he has a brilliant future,” said Dorival.

“I think that Endrick will have his moment.”

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said comparisons to legendary Brazil striker Pele were unfair on the teenager.

“He’s 17, a very good player, like we have too, but you have to give him time and above all, be prudent,” said De la Fuente.

“Thinking he could be the next Pele would be putting a lot of pressure and stress on him.”


Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney to lead England squad at Soccer Aid 2025

Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney to lead England squad at Soccer Aid 2025
Updated 11 March 2025
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Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney to lead England squad at Soccer Aid 2025

Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney to lead England squad at Soccer Aid 2025
  • UNICEF says the charity match pitting England against a World XI will take place on June 15 at United’s home stadium
  • Former United players Gary Neville and Paul Scholes will also be back at Old Trafford alongside ex-England international Rooney

MANCHESTER, England: Former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury and ex-Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney will coach an England squad made up of athletes and celebrities for Soccer Aid 2025 at Old Trafford.
UNICEF says the charity match pitting England against a World XI will take place on June 15 at United’s home stadium.
Former England Women players Jill Scott and Steph Houghton, One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, singer Tom Grennan, Olympic great Mo Farah, ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart and former Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci are among those who have confirmed their commitment to the event created by pop star Robbie Williams in 2006.
Former United players Gary Neville and Paul Scholes will also be back at Old Trafford alongside ex-England international Rooney, who will take on a player-manager role.
UNICEF says it has raised more than £106 million ($137 million) for children worldwide since the first game. The money raised helps it deliver crucial programs providing food, health care, safe spaces and crisis support to young people in need.
“The prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight,” said Fury. “Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year, and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney.”


Liverpool, Madrid and Barcelona looking to complete job as they protect slim leads

Liverpool, Madrid and Barcelona looking  to complete job as they protect slim leads
Updated 10 March 2025
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Liverpool, Madrid and Barcelona looking to complete job as they protect slim leads

Liverpool, Madrid and Barcelona looking  to complete job as they protect slim leads

MILAN: Defending champions Real Madrid, Liverpool and Barcelona all have one-goal leads to protect going into the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 this week.

For Madrid there is also city bragging rights at stake as they visit Atletico Madrid on Wednesday with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, while Liverpool host  Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday knowing they were fortunate to snatch a 1-0 win in France. Barcelona also only have a 1-0 advantage over Benfica, while some other teams are feeling a lot more comfortable — with Bayern Munich having beaten Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 and Arsenal crushing PSV Eindhoven 7-1.

Smash and grab

Liverpool’s players don’t really care how they’re winning — as long as they continue to do so.

Arne Slot’s team had to withstand a barrage of attacks at Parc des Princes before a late goal from Harvey Elliott, who had only just come off the bench, saw it stun PSG.

That was only Liverpool’s second attempt on target compared to a whopping 28 for PSG.

The runaway Premier League leaders had another poor performance on Saturday but still managed to come away with a victory over Southampton.

“It’s just about winning, not how we win. Sometimes you have to win dirty and today was one of them days,” Elliott said after that match. “I think we know that’s what winners do really: When times are hard, what do you do? How can you come up with something to win the game? Luckily this squad is full of them players.”

This week will be decisive for Liverpool’s treble bid as they play Newcastle in the English League Cup final on Sunday.

“I think the best possible way to describe it is four finals, really,” Elliott said. “PSG away, really, really tough game, today was a really tough game, then again on Tuesday another tough game and then the final on the weekend. “So, we just need to make sure that energy-wise we’re still there. We’re still fighting, we’re still hungry to achieve things this season, although it’s a very tough period.”

The loss to Liverpool was PSG’s first defeat since November and halted a run of 10 straight wins for the French team.

Madrid derby

This was supposed to be the year Atletico finally got the best of Real Madrid in the Champions League after losing two finals to their city rivals and being eliminated the other two times they faced off in the knockout rounds.

Going into the first leg, Atletico were ahead of Madrid in the Spanish league and were also undefeated in the past four Madrid derbies.

But they are now on the verge of going out yet again to their neighbors.

Atletico have also slipped behind in La Liga after two late goals saw them  lose 2-1 at Getafe at the weekend, while Madrid managed to grind out a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was also able to rotate his squad that was further boosted by the return of Jude Bellingham.

The England midfielder had missed three of his team’s last four games through suspension — including the first leg against Atletico.

Treble chances

It’s not just Liverpool who have their eyes on lifting a trio of trophies this season.

Atletico, Real and Barcelona are also in the semifinals of the Spanish Cup and fighting it out at the top of the league table.

Leverkusen are also still involved in two trophies domestically. Although it would need something of a miracle to make up the eight-point deficit they have to Bayern in the Bundesliga as well as overturn a three-goal disadvantage in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Inter Milan, who won the treble in 2010 under Jose Mourinho, are in better shape. They lead  Serie A, will face AC Milan in the Italian Cup semifinals and have a 2-0 advantage over Feyenoord going into Tuesday’s second leg.

Barcelona’s matchup against Benfica also takes place on Tuesday.

Arsenal are not the only English club that should feel confident going into Wednesday. Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are also at home then and have a 3-1 advantage over Club Brugge.

The matchup between Lille and Borussia Dortmund in France is the only one that is level after they drew 1-1 in the first leg.


‘Not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’: Ratcliffe slams Man Utd flops

‘Not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’: Ratcliffe slams Man Utd flops
Updated 10 March 2025
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‘Not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’: Ratcliffe slams Man Utd flops

‘Not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’: Ratcliffe slams Man Utd flops
  • British billionaire names Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Antony as the chief causes of his frustration
  • Jim Ratcliffe: ‘If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben (Amorim), I think he is doing a really good job to be honest’

LONDON: Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has blasted some of his troubled club’s stars as “not good enough” and “probably overpaid.”
Ratcliffe has endured a dismal start to his reign at Old Trafford since taking charge of footballing operations in February last year.
The British billionaire named Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Antony as the chief causes of his frustration.
Sancho and Antony are currently on loan at Chelsea and Real Betis respectively after underachieving with United.
In reference to United still paying instalments of transfer fees on several out-of-form players, Ratcliffe, who shares ownership of United with the US-based Glazer family, told the BBC: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony, we’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying Onana, we’re buying Hojlund, we’re buying Sancho.
“These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.
“For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17 million to buy him in the summer.”
Asked if he was suggesting those players were not good enough for United, Ratcliffe said: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid, but for us to mold the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”
After United finished eighth in the Premier League last season and won the FA Cup, Ratcliffe and his United advisers opted to stick with boss Erik ten Hag despite their poor form for much of the campaign.
The Dutchman was subsequently sacked in October and replaced by Ruben Amorim after United endured another wretched run.
INEOS chairman Ratcliffe has accepted the decision to keep Ten Hag was a mistake.
He applied the same verdict to his decision to hire Dan Ashworth as sporting director, a role he left in December after just five months.
“I agree the Erik ten Tag and Dan Ashworth decisions were errors,” the 72-year-old said.
“I think there were some mitigating circumstances, but ultimately they were errors. I accept that and I apologize for that.”
Despite United’s struggles since Amorim took charge, leaving them 14th in the Premier League, Ratcliffe insisted he would keep faith with the former Sporting Lisbon boss.
“If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest,” he said.
“I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”


Chelsea go fourth as Spurs salvage Bournemouth draw

Chelsea go fourth as Spurs salvage Bournemouth draw
Updated 09 March 2025
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Chelsea go fourth as Spurs salvage Bournemouth draw

Chelsea go fourth as Spurs salvage Bournemouth draw
  • It was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 12 league games as they responded to boss Enzo Maresca’s challenge to win all their remaining home matches

LONDON: Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League as Marc Cucurella’s rocket sealed a 1-0 win over

Leicester, while Tottenham fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth on Sunday.

Cucurella struck in the second half at Stamford Bridge to lift Chelsea above Manchester City into fourth in the Premier League.

The Blues are two points ahead of City in the race for the top four finish that guarantees a Champions League berth.

It was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 12 league games as they responded to boss Enzo Maresca’s challenge to win all their remaining home matches.

Maresca believes that should be enough to ensure Champions League action, but Chelsea will have to improve on a spluttering performance against second-bottom Leicester.

Cole Palmer missed a penalty for Chelsea and was later substituted, making it seven league games without a goal or assist amid criticism of the England forward’s frustrated body language.

Maresca left Leicester at the end of last season after leading them to promotion and the Foxes look destined to return to the Championship without him.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side have lost five successive league games and sit six points from safety.

Chelsea legends Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Dennis Wise, Kerry Dixon and Ron Harris were on the pitch before kick-off to celebrate the club’s 120th anniversary.

This was far from a highlight moment in Chelsea’s illustrious history however.

Victor Kristiansen’s clumsy challenge pole-axed Jadon Sancho, earning Chelsea a first half spot kick.

Usually such a ruthless penalty taker, Palmer seized the ball as he looked to end his drought, only for Mads Hermansen to deny him with a superb save.

It was the first penalty miss of Palmer’s career and Leicester almost made him pay immediately.

Error-prone Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez completely missed James Justin’s cross and Tosin Adarabioyo’s miscued headed clearance thudded off the woodwork.

Chelsea finally took the lead in spectacular fashion on the hour when Spanish defender Cucurella drilled into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Bournemouth missed a chance to climb into the top four race as the hosts saved boss Ange Postecoglou from another embarrassing defeat.

Tottenham lost 1-0 at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday.

That competition represents Tottenham’s last chance of fulfilling Postecoglou’s boast that he always win a trophy in his second season.

Languishing in 13th in the Premier League, Postecoglou’s side have gone three games without a win in all competitions.

Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke shook off a back injury for his first league appearance since January, while Cristian Romero returned to the Tottenham defense for the first time since December after a thigh injury.

Despite those reinforcements, Tottenham conceded in the 42nd minute, when Marcus Tavernier applied the finishing touch to Milos Kerkez’s pin-point cross after

Pedro Porro carelessly conceded possession.

Postecoglou sent on Son Heung-min at half-time in a bid to spark Tottenham and the South Korean was inches away from equalising as his deflected strike whistled wide.

Bournemouth struck again in the 65th minute as Evanilson raced onto Justin Kluivert’s pass and lifted a composed finish over Guglielmo Vicario.

But Pape Sarr reduced the deficit two minutes later, the Tottenham midfielder catching out Bournemouth keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with a misjudged cross that somehow dipped in at the far post.

Tottenham completed their escape in the 84th minute as Kepa conceded a penalty with a desperate lunge on Son.

Son calmly slotted home from the spot for his first goal in 10 games, taking him to 11 in all competitions this season.

Later on Sunday, second-placed Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford looking to close the gap on runaway leaders Liverpool to 13 points.


Dembele hits double as PSG win ahead of Liverpool return

Dembele hits double as PSG win ahead of Liverpool return
Updated 09 March 2025
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Dembele hits double as PSG win ahead of Liverpool return

Dembele hits double as PSG win ahead of Liverpool return
  • Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos had PSG 2-0 up in Brittany before Lilian Brassier pulled one back for Rennes
  • Dembele netted twice in stoppage time to seal the victory for the visitors

PARIS: Ousmane Dembele scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain warmed up for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Liverpool by winning 4-1 away to Rennes in Ligue 1 with a much-changed team on Saturday.
Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos had PSG 2-0 up in Brittany before Lilian Brassier pulled one back for Rennes, but Dembele netted twice in stoppage time to seal the victory for the visitors.
The result allowed the Ligue 1 leaders to maintain their unbeaten record in domestic competition this season.
The Parisians are now a huge 16 points clear at the top before closest challengers Marseille play at home to Lens later.
Luis Enrique’s side were ultimately comfortable winners despite the coach making eight changes to his starting line-up in between the two legs of the Liverpool tie, with the return at Anfield coming up on Tuesday.
“We are in perfect condition to go and take on Liverpool. We have nothing to lose and we will give everything to try to qualify,” for the quarter-finals, said Luis Enrique.
“It was difficult but we put in a serious performance and it gives us lots of hope before going to Liverpool,” the Spaniard added of his team’s display.
Barcola, Joao Neves and Willian Pacho were the only players to keep their places for PSG against Rennes following the 1-0 home loss to Liverpool in the first leg last Wednesday.
Dembele was among the regular starters to be rested at kick-off, but he came off the bench just after the hour mark and the France forward’s double strike moves him onto 20 league goals for the campaign.
The player who began his career at Rennes has now scored 28 times in all competitions this season, including 23 goals in 18 appearances since mid-December.
Rennes came into the game on a run of four wins in five outings to climb up into mid-table after Habib Beye replaced Jorge Sampaoli as coach at the end of January.
However, PSG went in front at Roazhon Park on 27 minutes as Desire Doue, another former Rennes player, quickly took a free-kick just inside the home half and released Barcola to run through and score his 18th goal of the season.
Teenage forward Mohamed Kader Meite almost equalized for Rennes before the break, heading off the crossbar from Adrien Truffert’s cross.
Barcola then turned provider as PSG doubled their lead five minutes after half-time, squaring for Ramos — one of those brought into the starting line-up — to net his 13th this season in all competitions.
Center-back Brassier pulled one back for Rennes shortly after, heading in from close range after a corner had been flicked on.
However, Luis Enrique then sent on the cavalry, with Dembele, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi all coming off the bench for the latter stages.
PSG made sure of the points as Hakimi ran through on goal before unselfishly squaring for Dembele to make it 3-1 in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the game.
Dembele then fired in his second and PSG’s fourth goal from the edge of the area in the 94th minute.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Lille were 1-0 winners at home to Montpellier in a game that fell in between the two legs of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.
Jonathan David scored the only goal of the game early in the second half, the Canadian netting his 14th of the campaign in Ligue 1.
Lille are fifth in the table, behind Monaco in fourth on goal difference.
They entertain Dortmund on Wednesday after drawing 1-1 in the first leg in Germany.