Calling Ansu Fati Like A Black Street Vendor, Griezmann Slams This Spanish Media

Ansu Fati (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Antoine Griezmann has criticized the racial remarks shown to Ansu Fati by the Spanish press following Barcelona's 5-1 Champions League win over Hungarian club Ferencvaros on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old forward was brilliant at Camp Nou as he scored the second goal for Barca before assisting Philippe Coutinho for their third just after half-time.

Despite his good form, the Spain international was subjected to racist reports from ABC, a Spanish newspaper.

"Ansu almost scored with a pure attacking kick, turning his body perfectly. Ansu while running is similar to a gazelle, he looks like a young black street vendor, which you can see running down the Paseo de Gracia screaming 'water, water' when the police arrive. , "wrote the report.

"The view in the heart of the city. It's not happening anymore now because Ada Colau (Mayor of Barcelona), the delinquents are police and not street vendors, who don't have to run fast anymore. It's true that without tourists their business will go down."

Antoine Griezmann immediately responded to this surprising statement, who quickly defended his teammate via social media.

"Ansu is an extraordinary young man who deserves respect like all human beings," Griezmann wrote on his Twitter account which was launched by Antara on Thursday, October 22. "Not for racism and not for bad behavior."

After breaking into the Blaugrana first team last season, Fati has enjoyed a great start to the 2020-21 season and is currently Barcelona's top scorer in all competitions.

Despite his current form, the 17-year-old remains humble and was quick to praise his team-mates after Wednesday's win.

"Thanks to all my team-mates, they made things easy for me," he told Movistar post-match.

"Messi is still Messi. He can score goals in any action. We are very happy he is here with us and I continue to learn from him."

Barcelona's next opponents will be Real Madrid in their first El Classico match of the season in La Liga on Saturday evening at 21.00 CEST.