26 January 2023 , 16:08
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Real Madrid fans will stand and chant the name of Vinicius Junior in Thursday night's Madrid derby after a sickening effigy of the player was hung from a bridge near the club's training facilities.
The effigy was erected by a group of Atletico Madrid supporters known as Frente Atletico – a far-right ultras group who associate themselves with the club. Atletico have released a statement condemning the action and calling for respect between the two sides.
Vinicius was the subject of vile racist abuse from Atletico supporters when the two teams met earlier this season at the Metropolitano stadium in LaLiga. An effigy of the Brazilian forward appeared hanging from a Madrid bridge on Wednesday evening under a banner above that read: "Madrid hates Real."
Fans of Real Madrid will now collectively chant the name of the Brazilian in a show of support in the 20th minute of Thursday's encounter – reflecting the forward's shirt number at the club.
Both clubs, along with Spanish football bodies, have called for criminal proceedings to be opened against those who carried out the act. LaLiga released a statement declaring that they "strongly condemn acts of hatred and intimidation against Vinicius Jr." League officials have also promised to investigate the incident and punish those who're found responsible.
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A Real Madrid statement read: "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.
The flag reads "Madrid hates Real" (@MadridXtra/Twitter)
This was the effigy of Vinicius Jr (@MadridXtra/Twitter)"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 dealt with."
Earlier this month, Real Valladolid president Ronaldo Nazario vowed to support Vinicius after he suffered racist abuse during a LaLiga clash between the sides. Vinicius was subjected to horrific racist abuse from fans in the Valladolid section during his side's two-goal victory in La Liga on December 30.
Vinicius was subjected to abuse by Real Valladolid fans last month (David S. Bustamante/Getty Images)The Brazilian international was substituted off the pitch with two minutes remaining of normal time for Luka Modric, with video footage widely circulated on social media showing Vinicius being subjected to racist chanting and taunts from the home fans, who also threw objects at the player.
Earlier this season, Vinicius faced disgusting racist chants from sections of Atletico Madrid fans as Real Madrid defeated their city rivals. As with the subsequent Valladolid incident, videos emerged on social media of the abhorrent language used. That came after Vinicius was targeted with a racist slur on live Spanish TV by agent Pedro Bravo.
Bravo said during an El Chiringuito discussion of the Brazil international that "in Spain, you have to respect rivals and stop playing the monkey". Following a backlash alleging that this was a racist stereotype, Bravo subsequently apologised on social media by claiming that he misused a metaphor. It has opened a discussion across Spain and further afield of the language and attitude applied towards footballers with racial undertones.
Vinicius, 22, then vowed to keep his goal dancing celebrations as they show "the happiness of a black Brazilian in Europe", with his celebrations similar to those of his fellow compatriots over the years – including international teammate Neymar.
However, he continues to suffer racist abuse in Spain – with Brazilian Ronaldo condemning the racist fans of his own club.