Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. scored his team’s third goal to seal a 3-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid in their Copa Del Rey quarter-final clash on Thursday.
The Brazilian has recently been the constant recipient of racist chants from the Colchoneros fanbase, but it was taken to a higher level before the derby match.
Earlier on Thursday, the Ultra fans of Atletico Madrid hung a mannequin figure wearing the jersey of the 22-year-old and a red and white banner with the message “Madrid hates Real” from a bridge in the Spanish capital city.
This grim action followed the racist chants the former Flamengo winger had received at the hands of the rival fans when the two sides last met in September, with footage of “Vinicius is a monkey” chants outside the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium emerging.
Also, many monkey-like noises were made that day whenever Vinicius touched the ball. It led to him calling out the LaLiga controlling body and urging them to hand out lifetime bans to the individuals found guilty.
Atletico Madrid issued a statement on their official website yesterday before the game in which they denounced the conduct of their supporters.
It read: “Acts like this are absolutely repugnant and inadmissible and shame society. Our condemnation to any act that attacks the dignity of people or institutions is categorical and unreserved.”
“The rivalry between the two clubs is at its maximum, but so is respect. No individual, whatever their intentions or colours, can stain the coexistence between different fans.”
“We do not know the perpetrator or perpetrators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities succeed in clarifying what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behaviour.”
As expected, Los Blancos were in support of their player, tagging the unpleasant display as an “unfortunate and disgusting act of racism, xenophobia and hatred.”
The 19-time Copa Del Rey winners released their own statement showing their belief that the perpetrators will be brought to book.
“Real Madrid CF would like to thank the support and expressions of affection received after the unfortunate and disgusting act of racism, xenophobia and hatred against our player Vinicius.”
“We express our 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. These attacks like the ones our player now suffers, or those that any athlete can suffer, cannot have a place in a society like ours.”
“Real Madrid is confident that all the responsibilities of those who have participated in such a despicable act will be purged.”
In similar fashion, the Spanish football governing body also came out in support of the Real Madrid star, promising to fish out those responsible for the despicable deeds.
“LaLiga strongly condemns acts of hatred and intimidation against @vinijr,” a post on their twitter channel read.
“LaLiga, as in the past,will press for an investigation into the matter by relevant state security forces and bodies, seeking convictions for those responsible and requesting the most severe sentences.”
LaLiga strongly condemns acts of hatred and intimidation against @vinijr.
LaLiga, as in the past,will press for an investigation into the matter by relevant state security forces and bodies, seeking convictions for those responsible and requesting the most severe sentences.
— LaLiga Corporativo (@LaLigaCorp) January 26, 2023
However, Vinicius looked unbothered, netting Real Madrid’s third after compatriot Rodrygo levelled the scoring in regulation time and Karim Benzema had put them in front with a sublime finish in extra time.
The skillful winger ran to the corner flag of the prestigious Santiago Bernabeu, pulling off a fantastic dance move while celebrating with the home fans.
