According to authorities, four individuals have been detained and interrogated in Spain on suspicion of running an internet hate campaign that incites Atletico Madrid supporters to disparage Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. on the basis of race.
As investigations into social media statements that encouraged supporters to wear face masks so they could abuse the Black Brazil international without being identified continued, police confirmed on Thursday that the males had been arrested on October 14 and 15 before being released.
These were the first arrests made public by law enforcement officials connected to the effort, which aimed to target the 24-year-old in the lead-up to the September 29 derby between Atletico Madrid and the Spanish capital at the Metropolitano stadium. #MetropolitanoConMascarilla (Metropolitano with a Mask) was the hashtag utilized.
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After hearing taunts from the stands during a game at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium last year, Vinicius Jr., who has been subjected to abuse at other games, labeled Spain and La Liga, the country’s top football league, as “racist.”
The first conviction for racist slurs in a Spanish football stadium occurred in June when three Valencia supporters were each given eight months in prison for hate crimes against Vinicius Jr.
Spain’s National Police did not identify the four individuals on Thursday, and their attorneys did not immediately provide a statement. A judge will conduct an investigation and ultimately determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move on with a trial under Spanish legal procedures.
According to police, the online campaign caused “significant social alarm” after going viral. According to authorities, the investigation is still ongoing and may result in additional arrests.
The day before the Madrid derby on September 29, LaLiga intervened, declaring that it was demanding the arrest of all campaign participants, claiming that the campaign amounted to inciting hatred.
Atletico Madrid stated earlier this month that they were dedicated to implementing internal disciplinary procedures against its associates involved in racist, xenophobic, or intolerant incidents, but they did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
