Javier Clemente, who managed Spain during the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, has openly criticized Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior for his behavior in Spanish football. Speaking to Radio Marca, Clemente suggested that Vinícius often overreacts during games, particularly when he faces rough tackles or questionable referee decisions.
“I wish he wouldn’t get so upset on the field. If you get fouled, you endure it. In football, there are hard tackles and poor referee decisions, but if you can’t handle that, there’s no point,” Clemente said.
He also weighed in on the racial abuse Vinícius has faced in Spain, claiming that the player has used these incidents to his advantage.
“It’s not a skin color issue. We are not a racist country, and that’s clear. The problem is that he [Vinícius] focused on this because it suited him, and I don’t think that’s good for him,” Clemente added, suggesting that if Vinícius reflected on his behavior, he could be more widely appreciated.
The comments come amid ongoing debates about racism in Spanish football, with Vinícius frequently at the center due to repeated abuse from fans. His outspoken stance against racism has garnered global support but has also drawn criticism from certain figures in Spanish football.
