Vinicius effigy hung from bridge before Madrid derby. Prior to Thursday’s Copa del Rey quarterfinal matchup against Atletico Madrid, a dummy wearing a Vinicius Junior jersey was hanging from a bridge close to Real Madrid’s training facility.
A poster that was posted on the bridge at Valdebebas overnight on Wednesday said, “Madrid hates Real.”
Spanish media characterized the Vinicius effigy as a “racist attack” and “serious threat” on the Brazilian striker.
Police sources informed AFP that they were looking into the event without providing any further information.
The Atletico Madrid fans’ chant has already been utilized by them.
Before the La Liga match at the Wanda Metropolitano in September, racial shouts directed against Vinicius by Atletico fans were captured on camera.
However, Spanish authorities ended their investigation into the chanting in December after concluding that the guilty party could not be found.
The 22-year-old winger for Real Madrid is a contentious character in Spanish football, with rivals occasionally incensed by his flair and playing style as well as his penchant to fall to the ground quickly.
No player in Europe has been fouled more this season than Vinicius, who is frequently targeted and attacked by opposing defenders in an effort to knock him off his game.
Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid, insisted during a news conference on Wednesday, “We have to defend him.”
Football needs him; he has incredible skill, and we must safeguard both his physical and emotional well-being.
Later on Thursday, Real Madrid hosts Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu.
