Premier League live news: Weekend reaction and latest updates, injuries ahead of Champions League ties – The Athletic

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has said winger Vinicius Junior “likes to play football” and is confident he can continue his impressive form.

Vinicius Jr. fell victim to racial abuse during Real’s 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday.

Video was made of a fan at Osasuna’s El Sadar stadium racially insulting Vinicius Jr during the celebration of Marco Asensio’s stoppage-time goal. La Liga says they will make an official complaint about the incident.

Ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League first leg against Liverpool, Ancelotti claims Vinicius Jr is handling the situation maturely and stressed the need to tackle racism in football and society.

He said: “Vinicius likes to play wherever he is. At the moment it’s a pleasure to see him play, like Pedri, Gavi, Mbappé.

“I hope they work on it (racist insults to Vinicius Jr.). Vinicius handles it very well, focuses on football, he loves to play.”

Asked if racism against Vinicius could prevent players from wanting to play in Spain, Ancelotti added: “The issue of racism is very, very serious and complicated. I think the law cannot change someone’s head, but culture and common sense I don’t’ You can’t blame Spain for this, it happens in all countries.

“I would like to see more respect for people change. Spain is a fantastic country to live in, I am delighted to live in Madrid and in Spain. It is a spectacular country in every way”.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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