An effigy of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior was hung from a motorway before their game against rivals Atletico Madrid. A banner reading “Madrid hates Real” was hanged from an overpass in Madrid by the perpetrators, who also used a black figure with Vinicius Junior’s name on it. On Thursday morning, while it was still dark, the banner and the figure were allegedly fastened to the bridge. Vinicius has received racist slurs numerous times in Spain. The Brazilian forward has expressed his frustration at being the target of racists on social media since moving to play in Europe. Although it denied being behind the display, one of Atletico Madrid’s ultra-fan groups frequently uses the wording on the banner.
“These are abhorrent, unacceptable activities that bring dishonor to society. We categorically and unequivocally reject any action that violates the dignity of individuals or institutions,” Atletico Madrid said after an effigy of Vinicius Junior. “The fiercest competition exists between the two clubs, yet respect also exists. No one can sully the peaceful coexistence of many followers, regardless of their motives or colors. To prevent this, everyone has a responsibility.”
When a sizable contingent of Atletico supporters yelled racial epithets prior to Madrid’s 2-1 victory in the local derby at the Metropolitano Stadium last year, Atletico had already denounced those supporters. State prosecutors in Spain ended their investigation into that case because there wasn’t enough information to pinpoint potential hate crime suspects. Vinicius was targeted by a fan who racially insulted him following a ‘Clasico’ against Barcelona in 2021, and the Spanish league filed criminal allegations against Valladolid supporters last month. Following a rumor that Madrid would forbid Atletico fans from donning team jerseys at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, a claim Madrid later disputed, the Copa del Rey derby was mired in controversy.
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