Spanish police arrest four over Vinicius Jr abuse before Madrid derby

Spanish police on Thursday, announced the arrest of four men suspected of instigating an online hate campaign directed at Real Madrid star Vinicius before last month’s derby against Atletico Madrid.

The viral social media campaign, which surfaced ahead of the September 29 match, urged Atletico fans to gather at the Metropolitano stadium and use “degrading and discriminatory insults with racist connotations” against a Real player, according to police.

Participants were encouraged to wear masks to avoid identification, as stated in a police announcement that did not explicitly name Vinicius.

The investigation commenced earlier this month following three complaints from La Liga, leading to the arrests of the four suspects on October 14 and 15.

Police noted that further arrests remain a possibility as the investigation is ongoing.

Vinicius has faced racist abuse from opposing fans at multiple La Liga stadiums since joining Real Madrid in 2018.

In January 2023, an effigy resembling the dark-skinned player was found hanging from a bridge near the club’s training ground, accompanied by a banner reading: “Madrid hates Real.”

In December, four Atletico Madrid fans were charged in connection with that incident, with prosecutors seeking four-year prison sentences.

The recent Madrid derby was also disrupted by a 15-minute suspension when Atletico fans threw objects, including lighters, onto the pitch during the second half.

As a result of the violence, Atletico received a fine and a partial stadium closure, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.