Shock and repudiation in Madrid: they hung a Vinicius Jr doll in the preview of the classic Real-Atlético

A doll with the image of the forward of the real Madrid, Vinicius Junior was hung from a bridge over a motorway in the early hours of Thursday, hours before the club tackled the Atletico Madrid on King’s Cup.

The authors used a black image with Vinicius’ shirt. The doll hung with a string around its neck and a banner with the phrase “Madrid hates Real”.

The banner and doll would be hung on the bridge before dawn.

Vinicius, who is black, has been the victim of constant racial slurs Spain. the Brazilian striker He complained on his social networks of racist attacks after arriving in European football.

The message on the banner is usually used by one of Atlético de Madrid’s ultras fan groups, although he himself has denied being responsible.

“Acts like this are absolutely disgusting and inadmissible and embarrass the club,” Atlético said in a statement.

“Our condemnation of any act that harms the dignity of people or institutions is resounding and without palliatives,” added the club. “The rivalry between the two clubs is maximum, but so is the respect. No individual, whatever his intentions or colors, can sully the coexistence between different hobbies. It’s everyone’s responsibility to avoid that.”

Real Madrid thanked for the messages of support received “after the unfortunate and disgusting act of racism, xenophobia and hatred against our player Vinicius”.

“These attacks like the ones our player suffers now, or those that any athlete can suffer, they cannot accommodate in a society like ours,” said Madrid.

The Spanish League also “strongly condemned the acts of hatred” against Vinicius and called on the authorities to investigate the facts “in search of the conviction of those responsible, demanding the most severe criminal penalties”.

In turn, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has regretted a “intolerable act” before the Copa del Rey semi-final duel and sent a message of support in the face of threats “from the radicals in a regrettable way”.

“These types of hate-filled demonstrations only encourage violence and have no place in our sport,” the federation said. Football must be lived with passion, but always with respect for the players, the opponent and the fans. It is unacceptable for this type of vandalism to occur.”

Atlético should have condemned the behavior of their supporters when many of them chanted “Vinicio you are a monkey” before Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory in the derby played last year at the Metropolitano. The Madrid prosecutor’s office has dropped a case over the incident claiming it had not gathered enough evidence to identify the people who chanted.