Vinicius Junior: Javier Tebas insists 'intent was not to attack' with tweet, claims league could end racism 'in months'

Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has apologised for what he insists was a misinterpreted tweet to Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, saying “my intent was not to attack [him]”, while claiming he would «end racism in stadiums within months» if the league body had more power. Vinicius was subjected to racist abuse by Valencia fans in a league game on Sunday, an incident that sparked widespread condemnation and a fierce debate around how to handle issues of racism in Spanish football.

Ad The Brazilian said after the game that “La Liga belongs to racists”, a comment Tebas responded to by criticising the 22-year-old for “not informing himself properly”. La LigaVinicius not thinking about leaving Real Madrid despite racist abuse — AncelottiA DAY AGO The La Liga chief’s comments sparked outrage and Vinicius replied by saying: “Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists.

I'm not your friend to talk about racism.” Tebas took a softer stance on Wednesday in an interview with ESPN Brasil as he looked to calm the waters by explaining himself. “I always tell this to my entire work team.

When people or an important part of them understand a message in a certain way, then they are right so I have to be sorry because I think my message was not understood, especially in Brazil," Tebas said. «So, I have to be sorry because I think my message and the intent with which I wrote it, an important part of it was not understood, especially in Brazil.

»Because my intent was not to attack Vinicius, but rather to clarify that Vinicius just one month ago made a video supporting the actions of La Liga [against racism]." Real Madrid players wore Vinicius' No. 20 shirt before their game against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday in a gesture of