The Spanish league announced on Saturday that it is taking a stand against a social media campaign targeting Vinícius Júnior, with plans to involve the police to address the issue. The campaign, which involves a hashtag urging Atletico Madrid fans to wear face masks to potentially evade identification while engaging in racist behavior towards Vinícius, has raised concerns about inciting racism and hate during the upcoming derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Vinícius, a Black player for Real Madrid, has faced racial abuse during away games over the years. In one disturbing incident before a derby match against Atletico in January 2023, an effigy of the player was hung from a bridge, resulting in the arrest of four individuals who are now facing serious criminal charges that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
Expressing strong condemnation of such actions that fuel hatred towards individuals based on their race, the league emphasized its commitment to combatting any form of discrimination or incitement of violence. The league’s statement firmly denounced the face covering campaign as a means to propagate intolerance and harmful behavior.
The league has stated its intention to cooperate with law enforcement to identify and apprehend those responsible for promoting the social media campaign. By actively seeking out the instigators of the campaign, the league aims to prevent any acts of racism or discrimination during the highly anticipated derby match.
In responding to this concerning situation, the Spanish league underscores the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment in football, where players like Vinícius Júnior can compete without being subjected to racist abuse or harassment. The league’s proactive approach in addressing this issue reflects a commitment to promoting respect, diversity, and fairness in the sport.
