REAL MADRID
Vini Jr ‘masked hate campaign’ sees LaLiga take strict action
LaLiga will report and request the immediate arrest of anyone involved in the #MetropolitanoConMascarilla hate campaign.
Over the course of the last week, some Atletico Madrid fans have launched a campaign on social media under the hashtag #MetropolitanoConMascarilla (’Metropolitano with a mask’), asking fans to attend the upcoming Madrid derby wearing a mask. In doing so, fans are looking for ways to insult Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr and not get caught by the onlooking authorities.
In recent seasons, Real Madrid’s visits to the Colchonero stadium have been spoiled by racist chants towards the Brazilian player, both inside and outside the stadium. This Sunday, September 29, it is feared that the situation will once again occur.
As such, LaLiga has taken action ahead of potential occurrences and have threatened harsh punishments for those who carry out said hate campaign related to the derby. In a statement published on Saturday, LaLiga said:
LALIGA wishes to announce that it will proceed to formally report and request the immediate arrest of the instigators behind a hate campaign seeking to promote racist and derogatory acts at the upcoming match between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid, scheduled for 29th September 2024 at 9:00pm local time in Spain.
The aforementioned campaign constitutes the crime of incitement to hatred, as clearly defined in the Penal Code. LALIGA vigorously condemns these actions that - directly or indirectly - encourage, promote and incite hatred against an individual, in this case, the player Vinicius Jr, because of his race. These actions also involve the aggravating circumstances outlined in sections 3 and 4 of Article 510 of the Penal Code, as “the acts are such to disturb public peace”.
LALIGA will not tolerate such behaviour under any circumstances. These acts not only harm the image of the sport and our country, but also pose a direct threat to the integrity and well-being of all fans.
Furthermore, LALIGA wishes to highlight the exemplary and civic behaviour of the vast majority of fans, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the values of sport. Many have actively helped identify perpetrators of hate crimes in the past, such as in the regrettable incidents involving racist chants. Thanks to their cooperation, we have been able to take the necessary measures to eradicate such behaviour and ensure an atmosphere of respect in football.