Yunus Musah insists not all Valencia fans can ‘be labeled as racist’

American star Yunus Musah insisted on Twitter that he was not labeling the entire Valencia fanbase as racist, after claiming he was not surprised to find racism in LaLiga.

The American midfielder, who plays for Spain’s Valencia side, recently told The Guardian he was “not shocked” by the racist treatment of Real Madrid and Brazilian star Vincius Jr. by some fans of his club in May.

Some Valencia supporters sparked outrage last month when Vinicius was racially insulted on the field at Mestalla during a match between Valencia and Real Madrid.

Musah, who has played for Valencia for three seasons, admitted he was not surprised by the abuse as he had seen it happen before in Spain’s top flight.

“Honestly, I wasn’t shocked because I’ve seen a lot of that sort of thing happen a lot before,” Musah said. The protector Tuesday. “Not in our stadium, but around La Liga. So I wasn’t really surprised. That’s sad, because it really shouldn’t be normal.’

Yunus Musah (L) said he was ‘not surprised’ by the racist insults directed at Vinicius Jnr. (R)

The American star has since insisted he did not label Valencia’s entire fanbase as racist

However, the US international took to Twitter following the publication of his interview with the outlet, claiming his comments about Valencia’s die-hards may have been misinterpreted.

In a statement shared on his profile, Musah wrote: “I would like to clarify the statement to The Guardian where my words may have been misinterpreted for our fans of Mestalla and Valencia CF, who I respect and would like to thank for the support they always have given. me.

“When I talk about racist behaviour, it’s a few fans who should be banned from football.

“The club acted very quickly and this is the way to deal with the problem. Mestalla is not a racist stadium and Valencianismo cannot be labeled racist. TOGETHER AGAINST RACISM!’

The LaLiga side were sanctioned after Vinicius was targeted by Valencia supporters during Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Mestalla, with the ground ordered to be partially closed for five games. A €45,000 ($49,000 / £39,000) fine was imposed.

Vinicius threatened to leave the field during the second half of the game after being subjected to monkey chants and Madrid, describing the incident as a ‘hate crime’, lodged a complaint with Spain’s Attorney General.

However, Valencia appealed the closure, describing it as ‘unfair and disproportionate’. The local press was also shocked by the ‘unprecedented’ decision.

The club was initially ordered to close the south stand of Mario Kempes, the site of the abuse, for five matches – although this was later downgraded to three. The fine was also reduced to €27,000 ($29,000 / £23,000).

The supporters, all aged between 18 and 21, were detained by police earlier this week in connection with the incident, with a Valencia court opening an investigation into the alleged racist episode that caused the match to be abandoned.

Vinicius threatened to walk off the field during the second half of the match in May

Vinicius was the target of racist remarks from Valencia supporters during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat

Valencia was ordered to close the Mario Kempes south stand of the Mestalla stadium

But Valencia stood firm against the broader accusations.

Since the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to racism and has called on referees at all levels to stop matches if incidents occur.

Infantino, who met with Vinicius to discuss the issue after the Brazil international spoke out after being targeted this season, branded the racists “criminals” and said football authorities should “take responsibility”.

Infantino said FIFA would set up a task force, with Vinicius in a prominent role, to make specific recommendations.