An effigy of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has been hung from a bridge ahead of tonight's clash with rivals Atletico Madrid.
An inflatable doll wearing a Vinicius Jr shirt appeared on one of the bridges in the Spanish capital on the morning of the cup derby, accompanied with a banner that read: 'Madrid hates Real Madrid'.
The act, seemingly by Atletico Madrid supporters, has been condemned by both clubs and LaLiga.
A statement from the Spanish top flight read: "LaLiga strongly condemns acts of hatred and intimidation against Vinicius Jr. LaLiga, as in the past, will press for an investigation into the matter by relevant state security forces and bodies, seeking convictions for those responsible and requesting the most severe sentences.'
Atlético Madrid fans have hung a mannequin off of a bridge wearing a Vinícius Júnior kit with a banner reading “Madrid hates Real” above.
— ⋆𝗡𝗲𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲 🇧🇷 (@Neymoleque) January 26, 2023
WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH? @LaLiga pic.twitter.com/WKgiEvjVQw
Real Madrid statement read: "Real Madrid would like 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 firmest condemnation of events that violate the fundamental rights and dignity of people, and that have nothing to do with the values of football and sport represent.
"These attacks like the ones our player now suffers, or those that any athlete can suffer, cannot have a place in a society like ours. Real Madrid is confident that all the responsibilities of those who have participated in such a despicable act will be purged."
Atletico's statement read: "Acts like this are absolutely disgusting and inadmissible and embarrass society. Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of people or institutions is resounding and unmitigated.
"The rivalry between both clubs is at the highest level, but so is our respect. No individual, whatever his intentions or his colours, can stain the coexistence between different clubs. It is everyone's responsibility to avoid it.
"We do not know the instigator or instigators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities are able to clarify what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behaviour."
