Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska spoke on behalf of the government, responding to statements by Real Madrid striker Vinicius that Spain needs to evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the colour of their skin.

In an interview with CNN, broadcast on Tuesday night, Vinicius said: “I hope that Spain can evolve and understand how serious it is to insult someone because of the color of their skin, because if in 2030 things don’t evolve, I think we have to change the place (for the World Cup, editor’s note)“.

This media release did not fail to provoke a reaction in Spain. Interior minister has reacted:

“The only thing I have to say is that our country is a country where respect for diversity is part of our DNA and, consequently, of our effective and direct fight against all discriminatory behavior,” he assured before ensuring that the second plan to combat hate crimes had already been implemented.