SPANISH POLICE ARREST FOUR OVER ONLINE ABUSE TARGETED AT VINICIUS

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Four men were detained by Spanish police on Thursday on suspicion of inciting an online hate campaign against Real Madrid player Vinicius before the derby against Atletico Madrid last month.

Prior to the match on September 29, Atletico supporters were urged by a widely shared social media campaign to show up at the team’s Metropolitano stadium and use “degrading and discriminatory insults with racist connotations” against a Real player, according to authorities.

Participants were urged to come wearing masks to thwart attempts to identify them, police added in a statement without naming Vinicius.

The investigation began at the start of this month following three complaints by La Liga and four males suspected of inciting hatred were arrested on October 14 and 15.

Further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation remains open, police added.

Opposition fans have singled out Vinicius for racist abuse at several La Liga stadiums since the Brazil forward, 24, joined Real Madrid in 2018.

In January 2023, a dark-skinned effigy wearing a Vinicius shirt was found hanging from a bridge near the club’s training ground alongside a banner saying, “Madrid hates Real.”

In December, four Atletico Madrid fans were charged over the incident, with prosecutors pushing for jail terms of four years.

Last month’s Madrid derby was also marred by a 15-minute suspension after Atletico fans hurled objects, including lighters, onto the pitch in the second half.

The violence eventually earned Atletico a fine and a partial stadium closure. The game ended 1-1.

AFP