Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was subject to racist abuse ahead of his side’s derby against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Hundreds of Atletico fans outside their Civitas Metropolitano stadium were filmed chanting, “Eres un mono, Vinicius eres un mono (You are a monkey, Vinicius you are a monkey).”
After the game began, the stadium was filled with similar chants directed at Vinicius.
Metropolitano stadium announcer calls for respect for all the players on the pitch – hard to hear the msg inside the stadium with all the whistles from the crowd.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) September 18, 2022
A Atletico fan before the game He was seen with what appeared like a toy monkey wearing a white Real shirt..
Vinicius’s abuse is very common just days after the 22-year-old was told to “stop playing the monkey” by Pedro Bravo, president of the Spanish agents’ association, on El Chiringuito when talking about the Brazilian’s goal celebration.
Real condemned Bravo’s “regrettable and unfortunate comments”, which he later retracted. He stated the “monkey” expression was related to Vinicius Junior “doing stupid things”.
Vinicius was ensnared in widespread support, especially from his fellow compatriots. Neymar, Pele Bruno GuimaraesThey were among the first to defend Vinicius.
Shortly before kick-off in the Madrid derby, Atletico posted on Twitter: “Countdown to the derby. Support Atleti with passion and respect to the rival!”
Speaking on Saturday ahead of the Atletico game, Real head coach Carlo Ancelotti said: “I refer back to the club’s statement and the one Vinicius made. The focus must be on football.
“The player is feeling fine and is looking forward to the game and helping the team to try to win it. It’s something we don’t talk about in the dressing room. The player’s response was very good.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with him. He’s playing with the joy and quality that he possesses. I don’t give him any advice because I’m not his dad or his brother. I’m his coach.”
Real responded to our inquiry by saying that they had nothing more to add to Friday’s statement. That read: “Real Madrid C. F. condemns all types of racist and xenophobic language and behaviour in football, sport and life in general, such as the regrettable and unfortunate comments made against our player Vinicius Junior in the last few hours.
“Real Madrid would like to express its affection and support for Vinicius Junior, a player who regards football as an attitude towards life through joy, respect and sportsmanship.
“Football is the most global sport there is and should be a model of values and coexistence.
“The club has directed its legal services to take legal action against anyone who makes racist remarks towards our players.”
An Atletico club source told The Athletic: “Obviously Atletico de Madrid condemn this type of attitude from a few who do not represent anyone, and we make clear that we are completely against racism.”
A La Liga spokesperson said: “LaLiga have fought against hate speech of whatever type for years and very much want the stadiums and our football to be a friendly and celebratory experience with no room for hate speech or gestures.”
(Photo by Getty Images).
