ATLETICO MADRID supporters hung a disgusting effigy of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr from a bridge ahead of tonight’s derby.
Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti’s sides collide at the Bernabeu with a spot in the Copa del Rey semis at stake.
And there is little love lost between fans of the Spanish capital heavyweights, with Atleti looking to avenge September’s 2-1 defeat in LaLiga.
However, some supporters engaged in disgraceful behaviour yesterday by hanging an effigy of Vinicius Jr off a bridge in the city.
An accompanying banner read: “Madrid hates Real Madrid.”
And LaLiga chiefs are demanding swift action be taken against those responsible, with Vinicius Jr also racially abused by some Atletico fans during September’s game at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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A statement read: “LaLiga strongly condemns acts of hatred and intimidation against Vinicius Jr.
“LaLiga, as in the past, will press for an investigation into the matter by relevant state security forces and bodies, seeking convictions for those responsible and requesting the most severe sentences.”
Atletico condemned the “despicable” behaviour, saying: “Acts like this are absolutely repugnant and inadmissible and embarrass society. Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of people or institutions is resounding and unmitigated.
“The rivalry between both clubs is at the highest level, but so is our respect. No individual, whatever his intentions or his colours, can stain the coexistence between different clubs. It is everyone’s responsibility to avoid it.
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“We do not know the instigator or instigators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities are able to clarify what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behaviour.”
Meanwhile, a Real Madrid statement added: “Real Madrid would like to thank you for the support and expressions of affection received after the regrettable and repugnant act of racism, xenophobia and hatred against our player Vinicius.
“We would like to express our strongest condemnation of these acts, which are an attack on fundamental rights and the dignity of people, and which have nothing to do with the values that football and sport represent.
“Attacks such as those suffered by our player, or those suffered by any sportsperson, have no place in a society such as ours.
“Real Madrid trusts that those who have participated in such a despicable act will be held accountable.”
Vinicius Jr himself previously called for racist fans to be banned for life, saying in October: “If you hurt other people, you must pay.
“It’s hard to say that [racism in football] will end with so many people still doing it. But I like to believe that there are more good people than bad.
“All the racist people must pay in some way, if they like to watch soccer, so those Atletico Madrid fans [who abused me in September’s game] should never be allowed to step foot in a stadium again.
“That will make them suffer the consequences and reflect about their actions.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
