Thursday, October 24, 2024 - Four people have been arrested in Spain over allegedly conducting an online campaign of hate and racism against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.
The campaign is said to have encouraged supporters to
racially abuse the 24-year-old, asking them to wear black face masks to avoid
being identified, police confirmed.
The Brazil forward broke down in a press
conference earlier this year when talking about the racist abuse he has
encountered, saying he felt "less and less" like playing football
following multiple incidents.
The men were detained on 14 and 15 October and then released
as investigations continue.
Spain's national police did not name the four men who were
arrested and questioned, with no immediate statement from any lawyers
representing them.
They added the investigation remains open and could lead to
more arrests after the online campaign raised "significant social
alarm" by going viral.
The first detentions by police linked to the campaign
happened on 29 September in the build-up to the La Liga derby at Atletico
Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium, with the hashtag translated in English to
'Metropolitano with a mask' reportedly used.
Three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in
prison in June for abusing the Madrid forward at a match in May 2023.
In August, the Brazilian said he and his team-mates will
leave the pitch if they face any more racism this season.
He added that the only way to drive racism out of football
altogether may be by stopping matches.
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