Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has hit out at Atletico Madrid fans after they hung a racist effigy of him from a bridge ahead of Los Blancos' win over their city rivals.
The Brazilian has faced increasing levels of racist abuse over the current season, with the latest incident coming on Thursday. Atletico fans hung a sickening mannequin wearing the shirt of Vinicius from a bridge, with the banner "Madrid hates Real".
The two rivals were set to face each other in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals at the Bernabeu, with Real running out 3-1 winners. Vinicius scored his side's final goal and directed his celebration towards the Atletico fans sitting high up in the stadium.
He has now also publicly addressed the vile effigy that surfaced ahead of the game. He wrote on Twitter : "LOVE WILL ALWAYS OVERCOME HATE" alongside hearts of different colours making a rainbow, an emoji of a clenched fist and an emoji of a man dancing.
Atletico totally condemned the actions of their supporters who had created the effigy. And they insisted that the act should "shame society".
"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," a club statement read.
"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."
LaLiga confirmed they had opened an investigation into the incident and promised to seek the "most severe criminal penalties". Real Madrid also expressed their disappointment that Vinicius was again the victim of a racist attack.
"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," their statement read.
"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."
Vinicius has faced a steady rise in racist incidents, allegedly being called a "monkey" by Atletico fans back in September. And last month he voiced his frustration that little action was being taken to combat the abuse.
“Racists continue to go to stadiums and watch the biggest club in the world up close and La Liga continues to do nothing,” Vinícius wrote on Twitter. “I will continue with my head held high and celebrating my victories and those of Madrid.”
