Brazilian Midfielder, Joelinton, Calls for Transformation in Football’s Anti-Racism Efforts
As he prepares for potential national team debut, Joelinton of Newcastle United has voiced his concerns regarding the ongoing struggle against racism in football.
During a recent interview, the 26-year-old midfielder, currently on international duty with Brazil, revealed that he had been subjected to racist abuse following a defeat against Arsenal last month. Although the incident did not occur on the pitch, Joelinton shared that he received “racist insults” through messages after the match.
In light of this experience, Joelinton emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of racism, stating that it has persisted for a significant period of time, extending far beyond the present moment. Expressing his disappointment, he said, “In the 21st century, we still witness such occurrences. It is disheartening to believe that we are progressing when incidents like these continue to happen. Although we speak about combating racism, the change we hoped for has been limited.”
Newcastle United expressed solidarity with Joelinton through a supportive message on Twitter, firmly asserting, “There is no place for racism—anywhere. We stand with you, Joe.”
It is worth noting that Joelinton’s Brazilian teammate, Vinicius Jr, faced repeated instances of racial abuse while playing for Real Madrid last season.
To raise awareness and actively address the issue of racism, Brazil’s upcoming friendly matches against Guinea and Senegal will be held in Lisbon, Portugal on June 17th and 20th, respectively, as part of an anti-racism campaign. Joelinton, who has the potential to earn his first cap for Brazil during these fixtures, hopes that such initiatives contribute to meaningful change in the fight against racism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about anti-racism efforts
Q: What did Joelinton say about the fight against racism in football?
A: Joelinton expressed that “many things” need to change in the battle against racism in football. He mentioned suffering racist abuse through messages after a match and emphasized the importance of addressing racism, which has persisted for a long time.
Q: How did Newcastle United show support for Joelinton?
A: Newcastle United posted a supportive message on Twitter, stating, “There is no room for racism. Anywhere. We’re with you, Joe.” This gesture demonstrated their solidarity with Joelinton in the face of racial abuse.
Q: Has Joelinton’s Brazilian teammate also faced racism in football?
A: Yes, Joelinton’s teammate, Vinicius Jr, experienced multiple instances of racial abuse while playing for Real Madrid last season. This highlights the prevalence of racism within the sport.
Q: Where will Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against Guinea and Senegal take place?
A: The friendlies will be held in Lisbon, Portugal on June 17th and 20th, respectively. These matches are part of an anti-racism campaign aimed at raising awareness and addressing the issue of racism in football.
More about anti-racism efforts
- BBC Sport: Joelinton calls for change in football’s fight against racism
- Newcastle United’s tweet in support of Joelinton
- Vinicius Jr’s experiences with racism at Real Madrid
- Information on Brazil’s upcoming friendlies in Lisbon
