4 people arrested for allegedly hanging Vinicius dummy on a bridge amid La Liga racism row: Reports
Four people have been arrested for allegedly hanging a Vinicius Junior dummy on a bridge close to Valdebebas, Madrid.
According to El Nacional, Spanish police have reported that four people were arrested on Tuesday for the incident. It took place in Valdebebas, which is close to where Real Madrid's training facilities are located. The four that were arrested are alleged to belong to the Atletico front and are accused of a hate crime. They also hung a banner that read:
"Madrid hates Real."
The incident occurred last January 26 shortly before the derby between Los Blancos and Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. Both clubs then made statements as well as the League and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Atleti fans were heard months earlier during a league match between the two rivals chanting toward Vinicius:
"You're a monkey, VinÃcius you're a monkey."
The racism row has taken hold of La Liga after the Selecao winger received disgusting chants during Los Blancos' 1-0 defeat to Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday (May 21). The Brazilian was again racially abused with chants about being a monkey.
Vinicius has since released a statement wanting the Spanish authorities and La Liga to take action. He will also reportedly sit down for an interview and could threaten to leave Madrid if such vile racist abuse continues.
The football community comes together in support of Vinicius
Vinicius was targeted throughout Madrid's defeat to Valencia. The match was stopped at halftime when the abuse was pointed out to the referee. However, the game resumed and so too did the abhorrent chants.
Tensions grew during the encounter at the Mestalla and the Brazilian was sent off late on for an altercation with Valencia striker Hugo Doro. The aftermath of the game has seen the football community show their support for the Madrid attacker.
Many of his peers, including Neymar and Casemiro have all demanded action from Spanish football regarding the issue. Back in his home country of Brazil, the lights of Christ the Redeemer were turned off last night to show support for the Real Madrid forward.
Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that the player is a victim, saying (via MadridXtra):
"Vinicius is a victim. He's not the culprit even if someone thinks it's his fault."
The Brazilian released a lengthy statement on his Instagram account detailing how he wants to fight against the racists. He admitted that what was once the league of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo is now that of the racists.