According to an article published by ESPN, an Atlético Madrid enthusiast was taken into custody after he threatened a young girl wearing a Vinícius Júnior Real Madrid and subjected her to racial insults.
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 25: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 25, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Spanish police said the girl suffered a "serious anxiety attack" after the incident, which took place outside Atlético's Metropolitano Stadium ahead of the La Liga game on Sept. 24. While in the arms of a family member, the girl endured "racist insults and death threats," according to police.
The family member also sustained a blow to the arm before other fans intervened, prompting the family to quickly leave the arena.
ESPN reported that a man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the hate crime. He was later identified using video evidence, which allowed them to determine his whereabouts.
Racist Attacks In Football:
Vinícius has continuously experienced racist abuse from opposition fans over the years. Four people were allegedly arrested after a figure of the Real Madrid forward was hung from a bridge in the Spanish capital before a game with Atletico in January 2023.
A court in Valencia is reviewing evidence after three fans were accused of racially insulting Vinícius during a La Liga game at Mestalla last May.
In their first game back at the stadium since the incident, Valencia coach Ruben Baraja said, "Historically, Valencia has an exemplary fan base and what happened is an isolated episode."
"Last season, three or four people did something that did not live up to what we expect from Valencia fans. Their behavior was inappropriate in every way. We don't identify with them... As a club and fans, we have the opportunity [on Saturday] to show the image of what we are."
