Spanish authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with an online hate campaign targeting Real Madrid’s star forward, Vinicius Jr. The arrests, which took place on October 14 and 15, are part of an ongoing investigation into social media activity that allegedly incited Atletico Madrid fans to racially abuse the Brazilian international player. The campaign encouraged supporters to wear face masks during matches to avoid being identified while hurling insults at the 24-year-old.
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Vinicius Jr. has been subjected to racial abuse in several matches over the past year. In response, he has openly criticized both LaLiga, Spain’s premier football league, and the country itself, labeling them as racist after enduring slurs from spectators during a game at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium. This led to a significant outcry over how racism in Spanish football is handled.
The recent arrests mark the first formal detentions in connection with this particular hate campaign, which began ahead of the September 29 Madrid derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. The campaign, which trended under the hashtag #MetropolitanoConMascarilla (Metropolitano with a Mask), aimed to mobilize Atletico fans to target Vinicius Jr. during the match at the Metropolitano stadium.
While the four individuals have been released after questioning, the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests could follow. Spanish police noted that the online campaign gained substantial traction, creating widespread concern and prompting swift action from authorities.
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This case is part of a broader effort to address racism in Spanish football, with legal and disciplinary actions being taken in recent years. In June, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for hate crimes after racially abusing Vinicius Jr., marking a landmark conviction. This was the first time anyone in Spain had been convicted for racist insults in a football stadium.
LaLiga intervened before the September 29 derby, calling for the arrest of those responsible for the campaign, which it stated amounted to the crime of incitement to hatred. Although Atletico Madrid has not commented on the latest arrests, the club previously expressed its commitment to taking disciplinary action against any fans involved in racist or xenophobic behavior.
Vinicius Jr.’s experience with racial abuse has drawn international attention to the issue of racism in Spanish football, sparking debates over whether enough is being done to protect players from such incidents. The recent arrests show that authorities are taking steps to address these concerns, though the issue remains far from resolved.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the four men arrested may face charges if the judge finds sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. Meanwhile, the football community continues to grapple with the challenges of addressing racism in the sport and ensuring that players like Vinicius Jr. can compete without facing racial abuse.
