Diego Costa backs Vinicius Jnr for taking on racists as he opens up on abuse he suffered in LaLiga... but the ex-Chelsea star admits it does not compare to black players who are 'treated worse than dogs'

Diego Costa has defended Vinicius Jnr for the Brazilian's strident opposition to racial abuse he suffered last season.  

The Brazilian winger was sent off after he reacted angrily following the abusive chants from fans at the Mestalla during Real Madrid's game against Valencia in May. 

Though the card was rescinded, and Valencia were fined despite initially labelling sanctions against them 'unfair and disproportionate', the incident brought back up the issue of racism in football. 

And Vinicius, who criticised the Spanish Football Federation for their lax policing of the problem, enjoyed backing from the wider footballing community for his stance. 

The Brazilian-born Costa, who recently ended a short stint with Premier League club Wolves, added his name to the list of Vinicius' backers and revealed that he also suffered racial abuse when he first arrived in the Spanish top-flight. 

'It's very difficult to comment on Vinicius, you know?' He told Relevo. 'I remember that when I came to play in the Spanish league, I heard my opponents tell me "go back to your country, lowlife, 'monkey b******."

'I knew it was to take my mind off the game, but I understand that it hurts a lot. Vinicius is a black boy. The story is totally different, racism goes back a long time and people have suffered a lot, it hurts a lot.

'They treated black people very differently. There are many people who say that you have to ignore it, but no. 

'You have to get over some of them, and it's easier for me to get over it than for them, because nothing will equal what they've been through, the dogs lived better. Only they know what hurts.'

The former Atletico Madrid forward even allowed himself a moment of solidarity with his old rivals and said he was pleased the 22-year-old was at Real Madrid, a club where people will have to sit up and listen. 

'There are people who use that to create a storm, but Vinicius doesn't, luckily he's at Real Madrid and he represents a lot. 

'He has strength and power, if it happens to someone from Getafe or Rayo they would tell him "idiot, go home because this is what you get paid for". The Federation and society wouldn't give a toss.'

'Vinicius is right to be fighting. Everything has happened to him, people told him that he was very bad, that he didn't know what to do with the ball… And look at what he is today, nobody has given him anything. He has every reason to ask for equal treatment.'