Yunus Musah insists not all Valencia fans can ‘be labeled as racist’

US star Yunus Musah took to Twitter to insist he was not calling the entire Valencia fan base racist after claiming he was not surprised to find racism in League.

The American midfielder, who plays for Spanish side Valencia, recently told the Guardian he was “not shocked” by the racist treatment of Real Madrid and Brazil star Vincius Jr. by some fans at his club in May.

Some Valencia fans sparked outrage last month when racist abuse was directed at Vinicius on the Mestalla pitch during a game between Valencia and Real Madrid.

Musah, who played for Valencia for three seasons, admitted he was not surprised by the abuse as he had witnessed it before in the Spanish top flight.

“Honestly, I wasn’t shocked, because I’ve seen a lot of stuff like this before,” Musah said. The Guardian Tuesday. “Not in our stadium, but around La Liga. So I wasn’t really surprised. Which is sad, because it really shouldn’t be normal.

Yunus Musah (L) said he was ‘not surprised’ by the racist abuse directed at Vinicius Jnr. (R)

The American star has since insisted he didn’t call the entire Valencia fanbase racist

However, the United States international took to Twitter after his interview with the outlet was published, claiming his comments may have been misinterpreted about die-hard Valencia fans.

In a statement shared on his profile, Musah wrote: “I want to clarify the statement to The Guardian where my words may have been misinterpreted for our Mestalla and Valencia CF fans, who I respect and want to thank you for the support they have always given me.

“When I talk about racist behavior, it’s a few fans that need to be eradicated from football.

“The club acted very quickly and this is the way to solve the problem. Mestalla is not a racist stadium and Valencia cannot be called racist. TOGETHER AGAINST RACISM!’

The LaLiga side have been penalized after Vinicius was targeted by Valencia fans during Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Mestalla as the ground was partially closed for five games. A fine of €45,000 ($49,000/£39,000) was imposed.

Vinicius threatened to walk off the pitch during the second half of the match after being the victim of monkey chants and Madrid, who called the incident a ‘hate crime’, filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s office. Spanish state.

However, Valencia have launched an appeal against the closure, calling it ‘unfair and disproportionate’. The local press also denounced the “unprecedented” decision.

The club were initially instructed to close Mario Kempes’ South Stand, the site of the abuse, for five matches – although it was later reduced to three. The total fine was also reduced to €27,000 ($29,000/£23,000).

The fans, all aged 18 to 21, were arrested by police earlier this week in connection with the incident, with a court in Valencia opening an investigation into the alleged racist episode which saw the match interrupted.

Vinicius threatened to leave the pitch during the second half of the game in May

Vinicius was targeted by Valencia fans with racial slurs during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss

Valencia have been ordered to close the Mario Kempes South Stand at the Mestalla Stadium

But Valencia continued to resist the wider allegations.

Since the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach must be taken to racism and has called on referees at all levels to stop matches if there is a problem. incidents.

Infantino, who met Vinicius to discuss the issue after the Brazil international spoke out after being targeted this season, called the racists ‘criminals’ and said football authorities must ‘take responsibility’ “.

Infantino said FIFA would set up a task force, with Vinicius playing a leading role, to make specific recommendations.