Atletico Madrid have released a statement condemning a sickening effigy of rival player Vinicius Junior which was hung from a bridge in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, 22, was the subject of vile racist abuse from Atletico supporters when the two teams met earlier this season at the Wanda Metropolitano. Ahead of Thursday evening's clash in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, unidentified perpetrators hung an effigy the Brazilian forward with a banner above which read: "Madrid hates Real."
Both clubs, along with Spanish football bodies, have called for criminal proceedings to be opened against those who carried out the act. LaLiga released a statement declaring that they "strongly condemn acts of hatred and intimidation against Vinicius Jr." League officials have also promised to investigate the incident and punish those who're found responsible.
Atletico's condemnation came shortly after LaLiga's firm response, as the club wrote on their website: "The rivalry between the two clubs is the greatest, but so is respect. No individual, whatever their intentions or colours, can tarnish the coexistence between different supporters. It is everyone's responsibility to avoid this.
"In view of the image that appeared today in various media outlets in which a message of hatred was launched in the hours before the match that will face us tonight against Real Madrid in the quarter finals of the Copa de S.M. el Rey, Club Atletico de Madrid communicates:
"That such acts are absolutely repugnant and inadmissible and shame society. Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of persons or institutions is categorical and unreserved. The rivalry between the two clubs is the greatest, but so is respect. No individual, whatever their intentions or colours, can tarnish the coexistence between different supporters.
Real's statement read: "Real Madrid C.F. wants to thank the support and expressions of affection received after the unfortunate and disgusting act of racism, xenophobia and hatred against our player Vinicius. We express our strongest condemnation of events that violate the fundamental rights and dignity of people, and that have nothing to do with the values that football and sport represent.
"These attacks, such as those that our player now suffers, or those that any athlete can suffer, cannot have a place in a society like ours. Real Madrid trusts that all the responsibilities of those who have participated in such a despicable act will be purged."
When Real travelled across the city for their Madrid derby on September 18, it was alleged that Vinicius Jr was called a "monkey" by Atletico fans. The visitors ran out 2-1 winners and will be hoping to do the same back home at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday.
Vinicius Jr was also targeted by Real Valladolid supporters in December, as video footage showed the Brazil international have an object thrown at him while he was leaving the pitch to be replaced by Luka Modric in Los Blancos' 2-0 victory. After Vinicius Jr reacted by angrily kicking the object back towards the stand, a section of the home crowd erupted and monkey chants could be heard.
Former Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram has moved to defend Vinicius Jr amid claims that his attitude and customary dancing after goals is bringing on the racist abuse. "There are many players who don't have a good attitude," Thuram explained, via Marca. "But you tell me that Vinicius suffers from racism and if he should change his attitude? First and foremost, you have to respect Vinicius.
"Many times people don't understand the violence of racism. When you are young and they insult you, it is very difficult. People should be told that Vinicius should be respected."
