“If I’m playing against him, I’d call him black to provoke him”: Ex-Spanish international makes Vinicius Jr admission
Former Spanish international Donato Gama da Silva recently weighed in on the topic of racial abuse in football, particularly in reference to Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior. Da Silva expressed his views prior to Spain’s friendly match against Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday (March 26). He acknowledged the persistent racial abuse faced by Vinicius during his time at the Bernabeu, citing incidents such as Valencia fans directing racist chants towards him during a match last May, which resulted in Vinicius being sent off due to losing his temper.
Reflecting on his own experiences and observations, da Silva, who hails from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and spent 15 years playing professional football in Spain, asserted that he would consider calling Vinicius “black” during a match as a form of provocation rather than racism. This perspective highlights a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of racial discourse in football, suggesting that such remarks may be intended to unsettle an opponent rather than express overt racial prejudice.
Da Silva’s career trajectory provides context to his insights, having transitioned from a central midfielder to a centre-back and amassing over 500 games in Spain, primarily with Deportivo de la Coruna. He played a pivotal role in Deportivo’s triumph in the La Liga title race in 2000, solidifying his legacy in Spanish football. Additionally, his tenure with the Spanish national team, spanning from 1994 to 1996, including participation in Euro 1996, lends credibility to his perspective on issues within the footballing community.
The broader context of efforts to combat racism in Spanish football is also addressed, with Real Madrid recently filing a complaint against a referee for allegedly disregarding racist abuse aimed at Vinicius during a match against Osasuna. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by players of color in the sport, prompting calls for more robust measures to address racism within football stadiums.
In response to incidents of racial abuse, Spanish football authorities have taken disciplinary action, including imposing fines and stadium bans on individuals found guilty of perpetrating such behavior. For instance, Valencia fans were fined €5000 each and handed one-year stadium bans for their racist chants directed at Vinicius, while Atletico Madrid supporters received similar penalties for hanging a black effigy with his jersey off a bridge ahead of a Madrid derby in 2023.
Overall, da Silva’s remarks shed light on the complexities surrounding racial dynamics in football and emphasize the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment within the sport. His perspective underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat racism and discrimination in football stadiums across the globe.