Atletico Madrid, La Liga issue statement condemning hate actions against Vinicius Jr | OneFootball

Earlier today, some Atletico Madrid fans made the headlines by hanging a mannequin donned in Vinicius Jr’s jersey with a banner that read “Madrid hates Real”.

The vile act came ahead of the derby between Real Madrid and Atletico in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey later today at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Condemning those acts from the fans, Los Rojiblancos have issued a statement that reads as follows (h/t EFE):

“We have always condemned and we condemn any type of violent expression that alters the healthy rivalry in the city. We are against any type of violence and insults.”

Immediately after, La Liga too have issued a statement on the subject, which says (h/t AS):

“La Liga strongly condemns the acts of hate & intimidation against Vinicius. The investigation of the facts will be urged in the search for the conviction of those responsible & we request the most severe criminal sanctions.”

This is a sad development that comes in the aftermath of the Real Madrid superstar being targeted by racial chants at away stadiums on several occasions already this season.

Indeed, Vinicius was the subject of racial abuse during the previous Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano in the first half of the season.

More recently, the Brazilian international was also targeted by fans of Real Valladolid soon after the World Cup break and now some sections of Atletico Madrid fans have resorted to this vile behaviour on derby day.

Hopefully, the authorities act quickly and take strict measures against those involved in the incident. There is no place for this type of behaviour in football and actions need to be taken to root out this evil from the beautiful game.