It is necessary to trust that civilization progresses adequately towards a better world, with more respect and more values, although there are times when isolated events put everything in doubt. But these episodes can end up acting as a catharsis and hopefully they are an antidote against ignorance and incivility. It is worth this reflection for what happened in Valencia in the football match last Sunday that featured the Real Madrid player Vinícius. Now it is not a question of blaming all the Valencian fans, because racist shouts against players because of the color of their skin are something common in most stadiums. And they are not only Spanish heritage, as our correspondents in Germany, England, France or Italy tell us today. The problem is that these countries have been acting more rigorously and forcefully against these racist behaviors on soccer fields for some time than is the case in Spain.
The scandal that arose on Sunday in Valencia should help the Football League and the Royal Spanish Football Federation update their protocols so that these situations are nipped in the bud. But they are not the only culprits. The clubs must also take good note of this and eradicate from their stadiums all fans who show a xenophobic attitude. And, also, it is worth doing self-criticism in the media themselves and paying more attention to these events when they are repeated. Taking it as a joke, underestimating the problem with the argument that they are a minority or prioritizing the antipathy that any player can arouse before the insults he receives are practices that we have seen or heard in some football chronicles or broadcasts. No. We are facing a case that deserves zero tolerance and there should be a before and after Vinícius.
Racist attitudes in Spain are a reality even if they don't like it and don't want to admit it. It would be comforting to think that it is a minority, but it is not true. And the answer cannot be silence and complacency. Racism must leave the soccer fields, as well as all the spaces where it is unfortunately still present today.
