The Madrid derby has often been the center for good footballing action but in addition, has also seen some ugly clashes over the decades. The upcoming clash between the two rivals has been marred by a section of Atleti supporters. Atletico Madrid condemned the "repugnant" actions that have seen Vinicius Jr the target of abuse ahead of January 26 derby against Real Madrid.
The two Madrid sides will clash in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey at Santiago Bernabeu but even before the game starts pictures of a mannequin, wearing a Vinicius shirt hung by the neck from a bridge in the Spanish capital have been doing the rounds on social media. A banner in the colors of Atletico was displayed on the same bridge which read: "Madrid hates Real"
In a statement, Atletico said: "Such acts are repugnant and inadmissible and shame society. Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of persons or institutions is categorical and unreserved.
The club highlighted the magnitude of the rivalry but even added such behaviour is unacceptable."The rivalry between the two clubs is the greatest, but so is respect. No individual, whatever their intentions or colors, can tarnish the coexistence between different supporters. It is everyone's responsibility to avoid this."
The post was anonymous and thus no action has been taken so far but the club has condemned the actions and added that strict action needs to be taken against the culprit. "We do not know the perpetrator or perpetrators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities succeed in clarifying what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behavior."
LaLiga also stated the matter, calling for a full investigation to be launched and criminal sanctions issued against guilty parties. "We strongly condemn the acts of hatred directed towards Vinicius Junior. Intolerance and violence has no place in football," the statement read.
Spanish football's governing body added in a tweet that criminal sanctions need to be posed and a strict investigation is needed on the same. "As it has done before, La Liga will press for a full investigation in search of the facts and the conviction of those responsible, requesting the most severe criminal sanctions."
Vinicius was subjected to racist abuse the last time the two sides met in September. Footage of supporters chanting "Vinicius is a monkey" was captured outside the stadium. He even hit out at the abuse and called for a lifetime ban on those guilty.
