Spanish authorities have detained four individuals in connection with the hanging of an effigy of Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr from a bridge in Madrid. The incident, which occurred prior to a match between Real Madrid and their city rivals Atletico, sent shockwaves through the football community. The effigy, bearing the banner “Madrid hates Real,” was suspended by its neck, igniting widespread condemnation.
The incident follows a wave of racial abuse directed at Vinicius Jr during a recent La Liga game, where opposing fans subjected the Brazilian player to hate speech. Real Madrid subsequently filed a hate crime complaint, and Vinicius himself confronted the referee during a match against Valencia. His dismissal for violent conduct added to the escalating tensions, leading him to proclaim, “La Liga belongs to racists.”
While La Liga President Javier Tebas criticized Vinicius for not attending a meeting to discuss racism, Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales acknowledged the serious problem, emphasizing that it taints not only individuals but also entire teams, fan bases, clubs, and the country. The case will now be reviewed by Spanish prosecutors to determine if criminal charges will be pursued.
The incident involving Vinicius Jr represents just one of several instances of racial abuse he has faced this season. The Brazilian government has called for urgent meetings with Spanish ministers, prosecutors, and the football federation to address the recurring issue. The controversy surrounding this event highlights the urgent need for measures to combat racism in football and protect players from such appalling treatment.
Source: BBC
