Real Madrid, Athletico Madrid and La Liga have condemned the racial abuse of Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and LaLiga 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.
Pictures published on social media revealed a banner with the phrase “Madrid hates Real” — a slogan associated with a group of Atletico ultras — displayed alongside the doll before the quarterfinal clash at the Bernabeu.
Atletico described the incident as “repugnant and unacceptable,” calling it a “message of hate” in a statement published on Thursday.
“Such acts are absolutely repugnant and unacceptable and shame society,” the club said. “Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of people or institutions is absolute and without exception.
“The utmost rivalry exists between both clubs, but also respect. No individual, whatever their intentions, can damage the relationship between different supporters. It is everyone’s responsibility to avoid this.
“We do not know the author or authors of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not mean they avoid responsibility. We hope the authorities are able to clear up what happened.”
LaLiga also released a statement, which read: “We vigorously condemn the acts of hate against Vinicius Junior. Intolerance and violence have no place in football. As on previous occasions, LaLiga will investigate these events in an attempt to find those responsible, seeking the most severe criminal penalties.”
