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Real Madrid filed a complaint on Friday with Spanish hate crime prosecutors over the alleged “racist and hate insults” directed towards forward Vinícius Júnior by groups of Atlético Madrid and Barcelona supporters.
Racist chants were heard as fans entered Atleti’s Metropolitano stadium on the evening prior to Wednesday’s Champions League game against Inter Milan.
The same chanting was heard ahead of the January Copa del Rey round-of-16 derby that Atlético won 4-2.
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On Tuesday, a group of Barça supporters chanted “Vinícius die” outside the Montjuic stadium ahead of their team’s Champions League game against Napoli.
“Real Madrid asks the Prosecutor’s Office to ask the security forces for the existing recordings in both locations in order to identify the authors of the racist and hate insults,” Real Madrid said in a statement.
“Real Madrid condemns these violent attacks of racism, discrimination and hatred that have been taking place, unfortunately repeatedly, against our player Vinícius Júnior.
“Our club will continue working to defend the values of football and sport, and will remain firm in its fight for zero tolerance in the face of such disgusting episodes as those that continue to occur in recent times.”
LaLiga said on Thursday it will report the chants to the prosecutors’ office that specialises in hate and discrimination crimes even if it was not a game in its competition because the chanting took place outside of the stadium.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, can take action if the incidents occurred in the stadium precinct and if they have been reported.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti applauded the club for continuing the call attention to the abuse.
“The problem is there. Valencia acted well after this [Valencia vs. Real Madrid] episode,” he said on Friday.
“When you talk about zero tolerance it is zero tolerance for us and for everyone else.
“It’s necessary to act to avoid these problems and ugly episodes that affect everyone, that affect our society. Criminals should not be on the street.”
Vinícius Jr. requested that UEFA act upon the alleged hate crimes.
The Brazil international wrote on X: “I hope you have already thought about their punishment. @ChampionsLeague ���� @UEFA ���� it’s a sad reality that this even happens in games where I’m not present!”
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva responded to Vinícius’ post and wrote on social media: “It is unbelievable that in the second decade of the 21st century, such behaviour still exists. All of our solidarity with Vini Jr. He deserves all respect and admiration for his talent and competence, not these manifestations of racist barbarism.”