In reaction to remarks made earlier today by Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. on CNN, Madrid’s Mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, dealt with the Brazilian footballer’s issues about bigotry in Spain and the prospective effects for the 2030 World Cup. Vinicius had actually specified, “I hope that Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone based on the color of their skin. Until 2030, we have a very large margin for evolution. So I hope that Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult a person based on the color of their skin, because if by 2030 things do not evolve, I think we need to change the location (of the World Cup), because if the player does not feel comfortable and does not feel safe playing in a country where he may suffer racism, it’s a bit complicated.”

Martínez-Almeida, noticeably annoyed by the remarks, specified, “We are all aware that there are racist episodes in society and that we have to work hard to eliminate these racist episodes. But it is deeply unfair to Spain and, particularly, to Madrid, to say that we are a racist society and, in addition, to jeopardize the celebration of the 2030 World Cup. I ask you to rectify. You have to rectify, apologize. Knowing that when there is a racist episode you will have us all on your side, but you will not have us all on your side when you say that we are racist. Because that is not true. When someone makes a mistake, you have to rectify.”

“Being an extraordinary football player does not mean that he cannot make mistakes, and this time he has made them,” Madrid’s mayor stated. “Vinicius has the large bulk of Spanish society on his side to fight bigotry, however we cannot be on his side when he calls virtually the whole Spanish society, and especially Madrid society, racists. Because I cannot accept it.

“He should highlight the fact that he lives in one of the most open, welcoming and diverse cities in the world. If there is one thing that characterises the city of Madrid, it is that no one is asked where they come from or where they are going. Here, no one is considered or excluded. The fact that he has had to endure certain regrettable episodes does not justify him labelling practically the entire Spanish society as racist and saying that the 2030 World Cup should not be held.”