Valencia defender hails fans despite racial comments hurled at Vinicius

Paulista makes a controversial post on social media

Valencia defender hails fans despite racial comments hurled at Vinicius

Stephen Oladehinde 20:26 - 22.05.2023

Gabriel Paulista has heap praise on Valencia supporters after racial comments toward Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr.

Vinicius was racially abused by the Valencia fans during their 1-0 loss at the Mestalla stadium on Sunday.

The Brazilian has experienced racism in Spain in recent times, with Valencia fans said to have insulted him by saying racial comments towards him.

Despite the fact that home fans occasionally racially attacked Madrid winger Vinicius Jnr throughout the game, Paulista praised his team's supporters.

Gabriel Paulista in action for Valencia
Gabriel Paulista in action for Valencia

Paulista defends Valencia fans

Following Valencia's triumph over Real Madrid, Paulista has backed Valencia fans despite their racial remarks directed towards Vinicius.

Paulista was suspended for the game against Madrid and was left to watch from the stand as his team secured a 1-0 victory on the night. 

However, after the incident between Valencia fans and Vinicius, the Brazilian took to his social media and posted an image of the home crowd captioned with the quote: 'Mestalla, you're the best'.

Viniciuc confront Valencia fans
Viniciuc confront Valencia fans

Paulista Instagram comment

Paulista tried to clarify his post on social media after he was criticised for defending the Valencia fans.

Posting on Instagram, he said, "The whole stadium calling a person silly is very different from a monkey.

“If there was someone who was racist, they have to pay, yes. My post was for the victory, and the fans were fundamental.”

Valencia have made an announcement regarding the incident and said that they will permanently ban every fan involved in Vinicius' racial abuse.

Gabriel Paulist's Instagram post
Gabriel Paulist's Instagram post