Atletico Madrid have condemned a section of supporters after Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior was subject to sickening racist abuse.
The Brazil international was targeted with vile chants outside of the Wanda Metropolitano before Sunday evening’s Madrid derby. Videos on social media showed the severity of the abuse Vinicus faced, just days after a racist slur was used against him live on Spanish TV.
Agent Pedro Bravo appeared on El Chiringuito and said "in Spain, you have to respect rivals and stop playing the monkey”. Bravo subsequently apologised and claimed he misused a metaphor. Nevertheless, the comments opened a discussion about the language and attitude applied to footballers with racial undertones.
And during Real’s 2-0 win, Vinicius was the target of monkey chants and loud whistles throughout the match. Before kick-off, videos emerged on social media of racist chanting from large sections of the Atletico support prior to the game getting underway.
Atleti had not officially commented but broke their silence on Tuesday to condemn the incidents: “Atlético de Madrid roundly condemns the inadmissible chants that a minority of fans made outside the stadium before the derby was held,” the statement reads.
“Racism is one of the biggest scourges in our society and unfortunately the world of football and clubs are not free from its presence. Our club has always been characterized by being an open and inclusive space for fans of different nationalities, cultures, races and social classes and a few cannot tarnish the image of thousands and thousands of athletes who support their team with passion and with respect for the rival.
“These chants cause us enormous rejection and indignation and we will not allow any individual to hide behind our colours to utter racist or xenophobic insults. At Atlético de Madrid we have zero tolerance for racism, our commitment to the fight against this social scourge is total and we will not stop until we eliminate it.”
The statement went on to suggest that an “artificial campaign” had been generated in the build-up to the clash and accused that campaign of “lighting the fuse of controversy”.
It continues: “Making clear once again our strongest condemnation of these events, which do not have the slightest justification, we believe that what has happened in the days leading up to the derby is inadmissible.
“Fans are asked for sanity and rationality and, however, professionals from different fields generated an artificial campaign during the week, lighting the fuse of controversy without measuring the impact of their actions and demonstrations.
“The pain that the red and white family feels for this event is enormous. We cannot allow someone to associate our fans with this type of behaviour and question our values because of a minority that does not represent us. Our decision is firm and resounding and we will not stop until we expel them from the red and white family because they cannot be part of it.”
Vinicus Jr. carried out his trademark dancing celebration in front of Atletico supporters, after Rodrygo Goes handed Carlo Ancelotti’s side a lead they would not surrender against their local rivals. Real are a perfect six-from-six to start the new LaLiga season, while Atleti are languishing in seventh points with just 10 points from a possible 18.
