Condemnation follows after effigy of football star is hung
LaLiga and Atletico Madrid have released statements following the incident in which an effigy of Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr was displayed from a bridge in the Spanish capital. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr has been the target of repeated hostility from rival fans.
Atletico Madrid has condemned the “repugnant” actions of individuals responsible for hanging a mannequin dressed in a Real Madrid jersey, representing Vinicius Jr, from a bridge ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey match between the two Madrid teams.
Alongside the effigy, a banner reading “Madrid hates Real” was attached to the bridge's railings. This incident follows a match between the two clubs in September, during which Vinicius faced racial abuse from some supporters.
As Thursday's match approaches and with Vinicius expected to be included in the squad, Atletico Madrid released a statement urging that those behind the hanging of the effigy be held accountable. The club called for its fans to show respect towards Real Madrid.
“The rivalry between the two clubs is the greatest, but so is respect,” stated the club in their official communication.
“No individual, whatever their intentions or colors, can tarnish the coexistence between different supporters. It is everyone’s responsibility to avoid this.
“In view of the image that appeared today in various media outlets in which a message of hatred was launched, Atletico Madrid communicates that such acts are absolutely repugnant and inadmissible and shame society. Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of persons or institutions is categorical and unreserved.
“We do not know the perpetrator or perpetrators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities succeed in clarifying what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behavior.”
The effigy of Vinicius Jr was displayed under one of the bridges in Madrid, prompting outrage and condemnation.
Spanish prosecutors initially began investigating the racial abuse directed at the Brazilian player last September but had to abandon the case due to lack of evidence.
LaLiga also expressed its hope that those responsible for the effigy would face the most severe penalties permitted under Spanish law, affirming its commitment to press for a thorough investigation by the relevant state security forces.
In response, Real Madrid thanked Atletico for their stance and emphasized that situations like this “have no place in a society such as ours.” The club added, “Real Madrid trusts that those who have participated in such a despicable act will be held accountable.”
Vinicius, 22, has made 197 appearances for Real Madrid since joining from Brazilian club Flamengo in 2018, scoring 48 goals and winning two LaLiga titles and a UEFA Champions League title in the process.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
Atletico Madrid has condemned the “repugnant” actions of individuals responsible for hanging a mannequin dressed in a Real Madrid jersey, representing Vinicius Jr, from a bridge ahead of Thursday's Copa del Rey match between the two Madrid teams.
Alongside the effigy, a banner reading “Madrid hates Real” was attached to the bridge's railings. This incident follows a match between the two clubs in September, during which Vinicius faced racial abuse from some supporters.
As Thursday's match approaches and with Vinicius expected to be included in the squad, Atletico Madrid released a statement urging that those behind the hanging of the effigy be held accountable. The club called for its fans to show respect towards Real Madrid.
“The rivalry between the two clubs is the greatest, but so is respect,” stated the club in their official communication.
“No individual, whatever their intentions or colors, can tarnish the coexistence between different supporters. It is everyone’s responsibility to avoid this.
“In view of the image that appeared today in various media outlets in which a message of hatred was launched, Atletico Madrid communicates that such acts are absolutely repugnant and inadmissible and shame society. Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of persons or institutions is categorical and unreserved.
“We do not know the perpetrator or perpetrators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities succeed in clarifying what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behavior.”
The effigy of Vinicius Jr was displayed under one of the bridges in Madrid, prompting outrage and condemnation.
Spanish prosecutors initially began investigating the racial abuse directed at the Brazilian player last September but had to abandon the case due to lack of evidence.
LaLiga also expressed its hope that those responsible for the effigy would face the most severe penalties permitted under Spanish law, affirming its commitment to press for a thorough investigation by the relevant state security forces.
In response, Real Madrid thanked Atletico for their stance and emphasized that situations like this “have no place in a society such as ours.” The club added, “Real Madrid trusts that those who have participated in such a despicable act will be held accountable.”
Vinicius, 22, has made 197 appearances for Real Madrid since joining from Brazilian club Flamengo in 2018, scoring 48 goals and winning two LaLiga titles and a UEFA Champions League title in the process.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
