Racism in Spanish Football: Arrests Made in Hate Crimes Targeting Vinícius as Calls for Action Grow

 

Spanish police have announced the detention of four young men involved in hanging an effigy of Vinícius off a bridge in Madrid in January. Additionally, three individuals have been arrested for their alleged participation in racially abusive insults directed at the Brazilian player during a match against Valencia. Authorities are treating both incidents as hate crimes.

The effigy incident took place near Real Madrid's training center prior to their Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid on January 26. Videos of the incident went viral on social media, depicting the effigy wearing a Real Madrid shirt with Vinícius' name and number. It was suspended from a bridge alongside a banner that read, "Madrid hates Real."

According to a police statement, three of the arrested individuals are active members of a radical fan group associated with a football club in Madrid. The investigation utilized evidence, witnesses, and open-source digital research to identify the suspects.

Spanish police have arrested individuals involved in racist incidents targeting Brazilian footballer Vinícius. In one incident, an effigy of Vinícius wearing a Real Madrid shirt was hung off a bridge with a banner that read "Madrid hates Real." In another incident during a match against Valencia, a fan shouted racist insults at Vinícius. Both incidents are being treated as hate crimes.

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the racial prejudice in European football stadiums and called for action from FIFA, the Spanish league, and other leagues to combat fascism and racism.

Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer turned off its lights in solidarity with Vinícius, and LaLiga has formally requested sanctioning powers to address racism in Spanish football. Currently, LaLiga can only report incidents to the Spanish football federation, which handles them as legal cases before imposing sporting punishments.

Spain's football chief, Luis Rubiales, acknowledged the country's racism problem and called for improvement. He criticized LaLiga president Javier Tebas for engaging in a social media exchange with Vinícius after the incident, urging the player to ignore Tebas' "irresponsible behavior."

Vinícius expressed his frustration with the inhumane treatment he has faced throughout the season, citing incidents of racial abuse and offensive chants. He called for stronger action, including criminalization of perpetrators and sporting punishments for clubs. Vinícius also questioned why sponsors and television networks do not take a stronger stance against these incidents.

The incidents highlight the ongoing issue of racism in football and the need for comprehensive measures to address and eradicate it.