Docking points from clubs would deter racist fans, suggests La Liga president

Javier Tebas wants increased powers to punish racist offenders

MEA CULPA: Javier Tebas admitted La Liga should have acted sooner to tackle racism. Picture: AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

Javier Tebas has said La Liga should “certainly” consider docking points from clubs whose fans engage in racist behaviour, as he sought to regain control of the crisis that has engulfed Spanish football over the continued abuse of Vinicius Junior.

La Liga’s president followed an apology to the Brazil international with a 90-minute press conference on Thursday, in which he spoke of plans to increase powers against racist offenders and acknowledged mistakes in not instigating change earlier. He also said he had not yet spoken to Vinícius after the abuse he received during Real Madrid’s match against Valencia last weekend, an incident that sparked international controversy.