Four Arrested in Spain for Online Hate Campaign Against Vinicius Jr.
Spanish police have announced the arrest of four individuals suspected of orchestrating an online hate campaign aimed at encouraging Atletico Madrid fans to racially abuse Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
The arrests follow an investigation into social media posts that urged fans to wear face masks to conceal their identities while directing hate towards the Black Brazilian forward. The campaign, using the hashtag #MetropolitanoConMascarilla, specifically targeted Vinicius Jr in the lead-up to a match at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano stadium.
This incident is not the first time the player has faced racial abuse, as he previously described LaLiga and Spain as “racist” after being subjected to slurs in a match at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium. The police have labeled the online campaign as incitement to hatred and have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.
Atletico Madrid has expressed their commitment to taking internal disciplinary actions against anyone associated with racist or intolerant behavior. The investigation is ongoing, with the potential for legal proceedings pending.