Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham believes that football’s authorities “should take stronger actions” to address racism, although he is skeptical about the likelihood of it occurring.
Vinicius Jr., Bellingham’s teammate at Real Madrid, became emotional last month while addressing the repercussions of racist abuse.
Additionally, in March, Real Madrid lodged a formal complaint with Spanish legal authorities following reported racist chants from opposing fans.
“It is disgusting. It shouldn’t happen,” Bellingham said. “The people in power need to do more.”
Mallorca, another team in La Liga, is conducting an investigation following an incident where a fan seemingly made a racist gesture toward Real midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni during their league encounter on Saturday.
“In the games where you go away in La Liga especially you get so used to it that I wasn’t aware of the incident, which is a massive problem in itself,” said Bellingham, speaking at a news conference before Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City.
“It is horrible way for a player to prepare for a game, knowing they are probably going to get racially abused.”
Brazil international Vinicius said last month he feels “less and less” like playing because of the repeated racist abuse he has suffered.
Last season, there were 10 such incidents against the 23-year-old reported to prosecutors by La Liga.
“The game would miss players like Vini if he decided to take a break because of this,” Bellingham said. “More needs to be done to support these players.
“The people in charge need to take control. I doubt it will happen.
“It is going to be something I imagine we have to deal with going into games.”
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