SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 28, 2023--

NATO member Finland has closed its last remaining border crossing with Russia

Vinicius Junior said “racism is normal in LaLiga” after the Real Madrid star was sent off having faced racist abuse from the stands in a 1-0 defeat at Valencia on Sunday. The match at the Mestalla was halted for 10 minutes in the second half as Vinicius pointed out fans to the referee who he said had racially abused him. The Brazilian continued to play but was sent off in injury time after he became involved in a brawl with Valencia players. The 22-year-old shoved Valencia striker Hugo Duro as tempers flared between both sides, with VAR deciding it warranted a red card. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti condemned the abuse and said Vinicius’s reaction was “understandable” in the circumstances. Vinicius has been subjected to racist abuse several times this season. Before Sunday’s match, LaLiga have filed as many as eight instances of “racist behaviour” against the forward this season, including against Real Madrid’s rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. In a post on Twitter, Vinicius said the “championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi today belongs to racists”. “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third,” Vinicius said. “Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. “Today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence.But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists.” Ancelotti said LaLiga “has a problem” after revealing he wanted the referee to stop the match following the racist abuse. “I don’t want to talk about football today, there is no meaning in talking about football today,” Ancelotti said. “What we saw today is unacceptable. An entire stadium chanting racist slurs. “I asked him if he wanted to keep playing, and he stayed in the game. “LaLiga have a problem here. For me Vinicius is the most important player in the world. LaLiga has a problem, these episodes of racism have to stop the match. “It’s the entire stadium that is insulting a player with racist chants and the match has to stop. I would say the same if we were winning 3-0, there is no other way. “Vinicius is very sad, he is angry. Something like this can’t happen in the world we live in.” In a statement, LaLiga said it will open an investigation into the incident and will take legal action if “any hate crime is detected”. It read: “In view of the incidents that occurred during the Valencia CF – Real Madrid CF match at the Mestalla Stadium, La Liga informs that it has requested all available images to investigate what happened. “Once the investigation has been completed, if any hate crime is detected, La Liga will proceed to take the appropriate legal action. “La Liga will also investigate the images in which racist insults were allegedly directed towards Vinicius Jr outside the Mestalla stadium.” In their own statement, Valencia condemned “isolated incidents”. “Valencia CF wish to publicly condemn insults and attacks of all kinds in football. Although this is an isolated episode, insults to any opposing player have no place in football and do not fit with the values and identity of Valencia CF. The club are investigating what occurred and will take the most severe measures against the perpetrators. “Valencia CF also condemn any offence and request the utmost respect for our fans. Whilst strongly denouncing these isolated incidents, Valencia CF would like to thank the more than 46,000 fans in attendance for their support for the team.” Read More ‘No doubt’ Ancelotti should stay at Real Madrid despite Champions League failure Only Vinicius Jr has the key to shape semi-final - even if Man City dominate The best player in the world right now? Vinicius brilliance has elevated the debate Kevin De Bruyne is Man City’s man for the big occasion but has he met his match? The six types of Pep Guardiola full-back, and what each says about Man City Manchester United take WSL title race to the wire with dramatic derby winner

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week, a sign that U.S. job market remains resilient despite higher interest rates

The leaders of the European Union are once again taking up the divisive issue of migration as they met in the Spanish city of Granada

By Trevor Hunnicutt and David Brunnstrom CAMP DAVID, Maryland (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday welcomed the leaders of

Danica Roem is accustomed to opponents using her transgender identity as a cudgel in Virginia legislative races

Australia’s Parliament has passed legislation to prevent Russia from building its embassy near Parliament House on security grounds

WASHINGTON Democratic U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman faced investigation on Sunday, the morning after he pulled a fire alarm

Tropical Storm Rina has formed in the Atlantic Ocean on the heels of Tropical Storm Philippe

When you've got to go, you've got to go but unfortunately for Robbie Williams, this happened to him while on stage where he ended up pooping his pants. The Take That singer recalled the time back in 2011 when he had “horrendous” food poisoning, which put him in the "precarious position of not being able to 'trust a fart'. In a post to Instagram, the 49-year-old detailed the experience at length how he needed to pass gas during the opening song “Let Me Entertain You," and he wasn't feeling too good. "So, I had food poisoning once on the Take That tour.*When I rejoined It was Horrendous. It felt like death," he wrote. "We unfortunately had to cancel a show in Denmark because of it. I still feel bad." "Anyway, A few days later we were playing at the Ajax stadium in Amsterdam. "Still not anywhere near well enough I ventured to the stage. I was in the precarious position of not being able to 'trust a fart'. "Which was unfortunate because that’s what I needed to do during my opening song. Let me Entertain you." When this move backfired, the Angels singer had to remain professional during the song. "As I’m sure you can imagine it didn’t remain just a fart. But ever the pro I retained my composure and committed to the performance 100%" Williams explained. "Because of the picture I’ve just painted I’m sure you have questions. But let’s just let sleeping logs lie for now," he joked. "A gig parp any other time can be liberating." Meanwhile, Netflix has announced a four-part documentary series on Williams is coming out later this year which will provide an "intimate look at the entertainer." Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Andrew Brettler's legal expertise extends across several jurisdictions and he has earned a reputation for handling complex and high-profile cases