Group hanging Vinicius effigy on bridge arrested

Spain Four suspects who hung an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge in Madrid have been arrested, amid a racism investigation into the player.

A mannequin wearing the number 20 jersey of Vinicius Junior, a black Brazilian striker who plays for Real Madrid, was hanged from a bridge on a highway near Real Madrid's training ground on January 26, before a match against Atletico Madrid.

A red banner with white lettering was also hung on the bridge reading "Madrid hates Real", a message often used by one of Atletico Madrid's ultra-hardline fan groups, although they denied responsibility for the incident.

Spanish police said on May 23 that they had arrested four men in Madrid “on suspicion of committing a hate crime” in connection with the effigy hanging. Police said three of the men were members of a Madrid-based football fan group, but did not name the club.

Vinicius Junior during the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Barcelona in March. Photo: AFP

The arrests come two days after the 22-year-old was once again the victim of racism. During Real Madrid's match against Valencia on May 21, Vinicius was subjected to racist chants, which led to a brief stoppage of play. The referee's post-match report said that several spectators shouted "monkey" at the player.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the abuse of fans in Spain. A number of celebrities then spoke out in support of Vinicius, including Brazilian stars Neymar, Richarlison and former stars Ronaldo de Lima and Kaka.

Brasilia also called on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the Spanish Football Federation and La Liga to take "necessary measures".

The Brazilian government said on May 22 that Racial Equality Minister Anielle Franco would file a complaint with the Spanish government and La Liga. Meanwhile, a Foreign Ministry source said the government had sent a protest message to the Spanish ambassador to Brazil.

Spanish prosecutors have opened an investigation into the incident.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters )

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