In a press release published on ThursdayReal Madrid have denounced a “lamentable and repugnant act of racism, xenophobia and hatred” against Vinicius Jr. A model wearing the Brazilian striker’s jersey was found hanging from a bridge in the Spanish capital before the derby face at Atlético this Thursday evening in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, at Santiago-Bernabeu (9 p.m.).
A banner hung overnight from Wednesday to Thursday on the same bridge, located not far from Real’s training camp, bore the inscription “Madrid hates Real”. The Spanish media denounced this “racist attack” described as a “serious threat” against the 22-year-old player. Police said they had opened an investigation into the incident, without providing further details.
Vinicius already targeted several times
Atlético Madrid fans have in the past used the slogan ‘Madrid hates Real Madrid’ against Los Blancos. Last September, some were filmed singing racist lyrics hostile to Vinicius Jr before the championship game between the two teams. The investigation carried out by the police at the time did not identify the perpetrators.
On January 2, the Brazilian had denounced the racist incidents in the Spanish stadiums, but also the inaction of La Liga, the day after the match won by Real Madrid at the José-Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid (0-2), marked by racist chants in the audience.