Spanish police arrested four individuals suspected of orchestrating an online hate campaign aimed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr ahead of last month’s Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid.
The campaign, which went viral on social media prior to the September 29 match, urged Atletico fans to gather at the Metropolitano Stadium and direct degrading and discriminatory insults with racist connotations towards a Real Madrid player, police reported.
The offenders were encouraged to wear masks to avoid identification, according to the police statement, which did not explicitly name Vinicius.
The investigation into the campaign began at the start of October after La Liga filed three complaints.
Four males were subsequently arrested on October 14 and 15 on suspicion of inciting hatred.
Police indicated that further arrests may follow as the investigation remains ongoing.
Vinicius, who has faced repeated racial abuse from opposition fans since joining Real Madrid in 2018, has become a frequent target in La Liga.
In January 2023, a dark-skinned effigy wearing a Vinicius jersey was discovered hanging from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground, accompanied by a banner reading, “Madrid hates Real.”
Four Atletico Madrid fans were charged for their involvement in that incident, with prosecutors seeking four-year prison sentences.
The September Madrid derby was also marked by violence, with a 15-minute suspension after Atletico fans threw objects, including lighters, onto the field during the second half.
The club was fined and a section of the stadium was closed as a result.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
AFP
