A mannequin wearing a Vinicius Junior, also known as Vini Jr, jersey was hung by a rope from a bridge hours before a big soccer match in Madrid, sparking an investigation as a potential hate crime.
The mannequin was hanged under a sign that reads “MADRID ODIA AL REAL” (Madrid hates the Real) and it’s believed Athletico Madrid fans were behind the act.
The bridge is located near Real Madrid’s training complex. Police are now trying to identify who’s responsible, and they’re treating the act as a potential hate crime.
La Liga issued a statement condemning the act, while Athletico Madrid distanced themselves from the act and stressed the importance of respect within the rivalry.
Real Madrid also released a statement, expressing their firmest condemnation of events that violate the fundamental rights and dignity of people, and that have nothing to do with the values that football and sport represent.
This is not the first time Vini Jr. has dealt with racism and has even accused the league of failing to step in.
The Brazilian forward Vini Jr has called for action to be taken against hate crimes after the mannequin wearing his jersey was hung from a bridge.
The match was a derby. Police have opened an investigation for what could be a hate crime after removing the banner and mannequin.
Vinicius Jr has been the subject of racial abuse by fans on several occasions, including at the Camp Nou against Barcelona in November 2021, at Atletico in September 2022, and at Valladolid in December 2022. In December, Vinicius Jr accused La Liga of failing to take action against racist fans at matches.
Atletico Madrid have also released official statements condemning the act and calling for respect within the rivalry.
Vinicius Jr has received support from Brazilian figures such as Pele and Neymar, who came to his defense after he was subjected to racist and xenophobic insults in September 2022.
Vinicius Jr has stated that he will not be silenced and that the happiness of a black Brazilian being successful in Europe is something that “bothers” some people.
Facundo Pellistri to have more roles with United this season