LaLiga president Javier Tebas has apologised for suggesting Vinicius Junior was being “manipulated” when the Real Madrid winger called out racism he has suffered in Spain. The Brazil international took to social media to speak out after being abused in Sunday’s game at Valencia, saying it was a problem he had endured throughout the league. Tebas’ response on Twitter, in which he said “Before you criticise and insult LaLiga, you need to inform yourself well, Vini Jr. Don’t let yourself be manipulated”, was roundly criticised for not addressing the issue and the LaLiga boss has now said sorry. “I think that the message, and the intention I had, was not understood by a significant number (of people), especially in Brazil,” he told ESPN Brazil. “I did not want to attack Vinicius, but if most people understood it that way, I need to apologise. It was not my intention, I expressed myself badly, at a bad time. “But I had no intention of attacking Vinicius, but rather clarifying a situation, because Vinicius had recorded a video supporting LaLiga’s actions.” Tebas, in defending the league’s approach – especially in relation to Vinicius – added: “If I hurt someone, they thought I was racist, it’s far from reality. “I feel sorry for what happened, and that’s why we denounced it. And we didn’t just denounce it, we took special actions at his games. “We spoke to the clubs, so that they could provide more security, identify fans. LaLiga takes care of Vinicius. And, if they misunderstood what happened I have to apologise.” Vinicius threatened to leave the pitch in the second half at the Mestalla after being subjected to alleged monkey chants and Real, who said the incident constituted a “hate crime”, filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office. Valencia were given a partial stadium ban for five matches and fined 45,000 euros (£39,000) – a punishment the club called “totally disproportionate” as they confirmed they would lodge an appeal, while head coach Ruben Baraja vowed to fight back against “smears”. England manager Gareth Southgate has led calls for stricter punishment since his side came close to walking off the field after players were subjected to racial abuse during a match in Bulgaria in 2019. “It is a disgusting situation. I think it is so bad that it looks like it is going to force change. I am hoping there will be something positive to come from it,” Southgate said on Wednesday. “If anyone suggests to me we don’t have a problem in society with racism then there is another example of what we are dealing with, and more examples of people burying their heads in the sand, quite frankly. “Hopefully it is a story that doesn’t just disappear in 24-48 hours without there being some significant change.” Vinicius, whose red card against Valencia on Sunday was rescinded, missed Real’s game at home to Rayo Vallecano with a minor knee complaint but was at the ground to see his team-mates wear shirts with his number and name on the back before kick-off.

Chelsea will be looking to put a disastrous Premier League campaign behind them as they continue their summer clearout. Having spent nearly £600 million on transfers last season, Chelsea went through three different managers as they slumped to a disappointing 12th place in the league. Thomas Tuchel, who now manages Bayern Munich, was sacked in September but his replacement, Graham Potter, was shown the door just seven months later despite having signed a five-year deal. Frank Lampard returned to the Blues on an interim basis but endured a torrid spell in charge of his former club. New manager Mauricio Pochettino begins his stint with the west London club on July 1 but the club has been busy behind the scenes already this summer. Mateo Kovacic has joined Manchester City while Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy have completed their moves to clubs in Saudi Pro League with Chelsea continuing to target more outgoings and incomings before the window shuts. Here are the latest news and transfer updates from Stamford Bridge: Hakim Ziyech Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech looked set to become the latest Chelsea player to make a summer move to Saudi Arabia after Chelsea had agreed a deal with Al-Nassr. Chelsea were set to recoup an £8m transfer fee with Ziyech, himself, set to earn £9m. However, the deal now appears to have collapsed after the 30-year-old was unable to finalise terms on his three-year contract. According to The Daily Mail, there were also complications with a knee injury in the medical. Ziyech also saw a January deadline-day move to Paris Saint-Germain scuppered after paperwork was submitted late. It remains unclear if he will remain with Chelsea by the end of the window with the winger having featured just 24 times last season and appearing surplus to requirements. Mason Mount One transfer that does appear to be nearing its completion is that of Mason Mount to Manchester United. According to The Athletic, the Red Devils have seen a bid worth £60m accepted after three bids up to £55m were rejected earlier in the week. The 24-year-old has two years left on his current deal but had been unable to agree terms on an extension, with Chelsea, therefore, looking to sell the England midfielder this summer. He will sign a contract until 2028 at Old Trafford with the option for a further year once he completes his medical. Moises Caicedo With Kovacic, Kante and Mount departing, Chelsea will look to bring in some central midfield replacements. According to The Evening Standard, one such player that the Blues may target is Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian was a key player as Brighton finished sixth but has been the subject of much interest from the league’s biggest club. Brighton turned down a £70m bid by Arsenal in January and look set to demand £100m for their prized asset. Reports suggest that a £60m bid has already been rejected but the London club believe that a fee in the region of £80m could be agreed with Brighton. Gabri Veiga Another central midfielder that is on Chelsea’s shortlist is young Spaniard, Gabri Veiga. The Celta Vigo player has caught the interest of several Premier League clubs after an impressive season in LaLiga which saw the 21-year-old score 11 times in 36 games. Veiga has a £34m release clause with a bid expected soon according to The Guardian, although the Blues may have to move fast with Newcastle another club set to be monitoring the young midfielder having already agreed a deal to sign Milan’s Sandro Tonali. Marc Cucurella The former Brighton left-back was one of Chelsea’s most expensive signings last year, having completed a £62m move from the south coast 12 months ago. The Spaniard endured a difficult first season at the club as he found himself asked to play a number of different positions in the Chelsea back line. Reports in Spanish newspaper, Marca, had suggested that Chelsea were looking to offload the left-back, with Atletico Madrid offered the chance to buy the left-back. However, such claims have been refuted by Cucurella’s agent Alvaro Dominguez who claimed the reports were “fake news” on social media. Read More Nesta, Totti and the original Chelsea transfer targets under Abramovich revealed Harry Kane builds new family home near Chelsea training ground Havertz transfer leaves Chelsea fans conflicted: ‘You won’t be missed’ Football rumours: West Ham delay Declan Rice deal as Pau Torres set for Villa James Maddison swayed by Ange Postecoglou promise of a new Tottenham Tottenham transfer news: Harry Kane latest after Bayern Munich bids and trio on centre-back list

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