Xavi: "We have to say enough is enough. If there are insults, we don't play"

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández has spoken out against the episode of racism that Vinicius experienced on Sunday at Valencia's Mestalla. The coach from Terrassa believes that football must say enough is enough and apply strong measures so that this type of situation does not continue to be repeated.

"It's a shame that these things happen in 2023. There are no club badges or colours when it comes to this. It's about people and we have to condemn any act like the one that happened at Mestalla with Vinicius," said Xavi in a press conference, suggesting that the solution is to stop the matches.

"I think the matches should be stopped. I'm working and it's accepted that people insult you in the world of football. It's time to stop all this, to say enough is enough. If there is an insult, you don't play. I don't have to put up with all kinds of insults in my working hours. I've always thought that and now that I'm a Barça coach I can say it."

The Barça coach believes that it is an educational issue. "We have to educate people, so that they don't go to football to insult the referee, for example. It doesn't happen in other sports. In tennis, in golf, there is silence out of respect for the player."

Xavi, unlike Vinicius, does not believe that Spain is a racist country, but he does understand the Real Madrid player's reaction.

He added: "I don't think Spain or LaLiga is racist, but there have been acts of racism and this is what must be condemned. They say we should be an example, but if they say everything to us, it's difficult not to bounce back, this is what happens to Vinicius. He is a person, you have to defend Vinicius ahead of any club interests."