La Liga strict call on racism after racist attack plans emerge by Atletico Madrid fans on Vinicius Jr in the Madrid Derby.
La Liga is demanding the immediate arrest of Atlético Madrid supporters who are part of a hate campaign against Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid before Sunday’s derby against Atlético.
The goal of the social media campaign, which went viral under the handle “#MetropolitanoConMascarilla” (which translates to “Metropolitano with a mask”), is to incite Atletico supporters to wear masks at the Metropolitano Stadium so they can taunt the Brazilian winger racially without being recognised. Since last year, the 24-year-old has been the target of numerous racial abuse arrests in Spain.
“La Liga wishes to announce that it will proceed to formally report and request the immediate arrest of the instigators behind a hate campaign seeking to promote racist and derogatory acts,” La Liga said in a statement.
“The campaign constitutes the crime of incitement to hatred, as clearly defined in the Penal Code. La Liga vigorously condemns these actions that – directly or indirectly – encourage, promote and incite hatred against an individual. In this case, the player Vinícius Júnior, because of his race.
“These acts not only harm the image of the sport and our country. But also pose a direct threat to the integrity and wellbeing of all fans.”
Three Valencia supporters received an eight-month prison sentence in June for their hate crimes against the Brazilian. Four Atletico fans faced charges for hanging an effigy of Vinícius from a bridge in Madrid last year. In March, Real Madrid also lodged a complaint with the state prosecutor’s office. This was following the appearance of purportedly racist chants by Atlético supporters prior to an Inter Champions League encounter.
The Spanish Football Federation also mandated that Atlético partially close its south stand for two games. This was following racial taunts directed towards Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao in April.