In a troubling development, Spanish authorities have arrested four individuals suspected of orchestrating a hate-filled online campaign targeting Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.
This campaign reportedly urged supporters to engage in racial abuse against the 24-year-old Brazilian player, even advising them to don blackface masks to conceal their identities.
The Spanish national police confirmed that the suspects were apprehended on October 14 and 15. They have since been released as investigations continue, although the police did not disclose their identities or provide any statements from their legal representatives.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have indicated that further arrests may occur as the online campaign has sparked significant public outrage.
The campaign gained traction, going viral under the hashtag “Metropolitano with a mask,” which was notably used in the days leading up to a La Liga derby at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium.
Vinicius Jr. has openly shared the emotional toll that racism has taken on him, breaking down in a press conference earlier this year. He expressed feelings of isolation, stating that he felt “less and less” inclined to continue playing football in the face of persistent racial abuse.
In a previous case, three Valencia fans received eight-month prison sentences in June for racially abusing Vinicius during a match in May 2023.
In response to the ongoing issue of racism in football, the Brazilian star and his teammates have pledged to walk off the pitch if they encounter further racist incidents this season.
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