Xavi has extended solidarity to Real Madrid forward Vinicius, who suffered racial attacks at Mestalla on Sunday.
"In general, unfortunately, there are cases of racism. Unfortunately. It’s a shame," Xavi's words are quoted by Football Espana.
"It’s sad and unfortunate that it happens in 2023. We have to condemn them, regardless of badges, players or clubs. We must condemn them, like Vinicius yesterday in Valencia, Valencia are already doing so. Racism must be eradicated once and for all.
"The games have to be stopped. I’ve always thought so. We’re the only place where insults are accepted, it’s the only sport in which it is accepted. I’m working and they call me the son of such and such, you can imagine…
"I don’t see a baker or a journalist putting up with this. If there are insults, then we stop playing. It’s a message to the president of the League, the Federation…
"I don’t think I should have to put up with an insult. Insult a worker, they will throw a brick at your head. I don’t have to put up with insults during my working hours and impudence of all kinds. You have to say enough is enough.
"It is an educational issue. You have to educate people so that they are not going to insult people on the pitch. I do not go to the theater to insult. It is not positive for society.
"I don’t think there is much point in saying that Spain or the League is racist, but there are racist acts. And they must be condemned. We are in an environment where we are insulted and have all sorts of things said to us.
"We are asked to be role models, but it’s hard when they insult you the whole time. It’s hard not to get angry, and that happens to Vinicius. And to any player. You have to have a favourable environment. And that’s sad."
Former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o also suffered racial abuse during his time at the club.
"I wasn’t at La Romareda, I experienced it from home," Xavi said, referencing the Eto'o incident. "I was injured.
"You have to stop the game. You have to stop this. I don’t care about Vinicius, Eto’o, the badge or the insult. You don’t have to put up with these situations. It’s very unpleasant.
"It doesn’t happen in other sports, in tennis, in golf – shhh, let them concentrate… What happens in football? We have to say enough is enough. Stop the game and let’s go home."
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