Javier Tebas knows how to end racism. «We have been able to control the economy and put an end to the bankruptcy of Spanish football. If they give us powers in six months, we end that because it is easier than economic control, “says the president of the League. «We want competitions because with competitions we are sure that we solve the problem. We have to be able to intervene. The technology is not the same as it was five years ago. The cameras give us a lot of information and also the social networks », he adds.
The president of LaLiga appeared before the media for approximately an hour and a half. First to explain his version of what happened since the racist insults to Vinicius last Sunday at Mestalla. And the main cause that he finds for the Real Madrid winger to be the most insulted in the League is his sporting level. «When Vinicius joined the first team in a presentation in September by a sponsor, they asked me who was the player who could replace Messi and I answered without a doubt that Vinicius. He is a different player, with an overflow that is not usual », he says.
«Since I became president of the League, we have an important history in the fight against racism. When I arrive at the stadiums there were racist, homophobic, xenophobic shouts. I remember homophobic shouts at Cristiano Ronaldo, shouts of “subnormal Messi” and we insisted that this had to disappear. Within the few skills that we had working with the clubs, we put an end to that, but at a significant personal cost. I had to go with an escort, they showed up painted with my face inside a target at my vacation home when my children were little. But we won it », he explains.
Thebes reviewed the complaints that he has filed with the prosecutor’s office and before the courts for racist insults against Vinicius and other players. The only ones who have sat on the bench have been those who insulted Iñaki Williams. “They were located by the cameras and are pending trial. RCD Espanyol collaborated », highlights the president of the League, who regrets that in none of his complaints has he had the support of the institutions. “We have gone alone, without the Higher Sports Council, without the Federation (RFEF) and without Real Madrid when we have denounced cries against Vinicius,” he says.
But Tebas sided with the player when asked what would happen if he left the field or if his team did because he received racist insults. “I would have the support of LaLiga and my personal support,” he warns.
