Polemical Celebration by Vinicius Junior Causes Controversy in Brazilian Football
A controversial celebration by football player Vinicius Junior, the 17-year-old who plays on loan for Flamengo by Real Madrid, caused a Brazilian football team to refuse their stadium for the final of a local tournament.
On Saturday, during the semifinals of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, the player scored the third goal in Flamengo's 3-1 victory against Botafogo and celebrated by covering his eyes and pretending to cry, in an ironic reference to the rival team.
Vinicius Jr., scoring a goal à la Cristiano and making a gesture à la Pique hahaha
Walter Palomino (@Weps_UNAS) February 10, 2018
And he's only 17 years old! pic.twitter.com/TZrIgi0aJU
As a result, Botafogo announced today that, due to Vinicius' attitude, they will not allow their stadium to be used for the final match between Flamengo and Boa Vista, which had initially been agreed upon with the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ).
"The decision was made solely based on the celebration of the opposing player's goal, showing disrespect -according to the 'botafoguenses'- towards the Botafogo institution, which is represented by its athletes, members, and fans," says the statement issued by the Rio de Janeiro club.
"This player -the note continues, referring to Vinicius- is an employee of the opposing club and, as such, should respect professional ethics."
FERJ, on the other hand, issued another statement in response, urging Botafogo to allow the Nilton Santos Stadium to be used for the final match that will take place on Sunday.
"It would be a sensible measure for the club itself, which cannot diminish itself due to an isolated reference by a young athlete," the statement emphasizes.
Vinicius' gesture after scoring his goal, for which he was cautioned, caused a lot of controversy in recent days in Brazil. After the match, the young player stated that he did not regret the gesture, which was not "to provoke anyone" and was only "to celebrate with the fans."
Vinicius Junior was born in 2000 in Rio de Janeiro. He made his debut for Flamengo on May 13, 2017, and a few days later Real Madrid bought him for 45 million euros. The player continues to play for the Brazilian club, although it is estimated that he will join the Spanish team halfway through the year.