Real Madrid, Atletico and La Liga condemn racism towards Vinicius

[ad_1]

13:58 GMT

Alex Kirkland

Rodrigo Faez

Atletico Madrid and La Liga condemn latest racist incident against Vinicius Junior ahead of Copa del Rey. Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and La Liga have condemned an incident in which a doll wearing a Vinicius Junior shirt was hung from a bridge near his club’s training ground ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey derby between the two clubs.

Photos posted on social media showed a banner with the phrase ‘Madrid hate Real’ – a slogan associated with a group of Atletico ultras – displayed next to the doll ahead of the quarter-final clash at the Bernabeu.

Atletico called the incident “disgusting and unacceptable”, calling it a “message of hate” in a statement released on Thursday.

“Such acts are absolutely repugnant and unacceptable and bring shame on society,” the club said. “Our condemnation of any act that undermines the dignity of people or institutions is absolute and without exception.

“The greatest rivalry exists between the two clubs, but also respect. No individual, regardless of their intentions, can harm the relationship between different supporters. It is everyone’s responsibility to avoid this.

“We do not know the perpetrator or perpetrators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not mean that they shirk their responsibility. We hope that the authorities can clarify what happened.”

LaLiga also issued a statement, which read: “We strongly condemn acts of hatred against Vinicius Junior. Intolerance and violence have no place in football. As on previous occasions, LaLiga will investigate these events. to try to find those responsible, seeking the most severe criminal penalties.”

A message to those who take refuge at night to commit hate crimes, we will locate you, we will obtain convictions, so that you end up in prison, where you should be. THAT’S ENOUGH!!! https://t.co/fXYjgraD12

Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) January 26, 2023

Vinicius has previously slammed La Liga, alleging the league ‘continues to do nothing’ to tackle racism – comments described as ‘unfortunate’ and ‘unfair’ by La Liga president Javier Tebas.

Real Madrid also released a statement, which read: “Real Madrid would like to express their thanks for the support received after the deplorable and repugnant act of racism, xenophobia and hatred against our player Vinicius. These attacks, like those what our player suffers or any other athlete may suffer, he has no place in a society like ours.”

Tebas responded to the latest incident with Vinicius and tweeted: “A message to those who take to the streets at night to commit hate crimes, we will find you, we will get convictions so you end up in jail, this is where that you should be. ENOUGH NOW!!!”

Last September, Atletico fans were filmed chanting ‘Vinicius, you’re a monkey’ outside their Metropolitano stadium ahead of the latest derby with Real Madrid.

Prosecutors chose not to press charges in the case, arguing that the chants, while “unpleasant” and “disrespectful”, lasted “a few seconds” and did not constitute a criminal offence.

Earlier this month, Vinicius was racially assaulted by Real Valladolid fans after being substituted in the second half of Madrid’s 2-0 win – an incident which was reported by LaLiga to a local court.

He was also the target of racist slurs during away games at Barcelona in October 2021 and Real Mallorca in March 2022. On both occasions, LaLiga filed formal complaints, which prosecutors decided not to to pursue.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also released a statement on Thursday.

“[The RFEF] wants to send a message of support to Vinicius, who was directly threatened by extremists in a deplorable way,” he said. “This kind of incident has no place in our sport.”

[ad_2]