Police in Spain have apprehended four individuals suspected of orchestrating an online hate campaign targeting Real Madrid's forward Vinícius Júnior. Authorities stated on Thursday that the men, all in their twenties, were detained as part of an investigation into social media posts that circulated prior to Atlético Madrid's match against Real Madrid in September's derby. The posts, which are estimated to have garnered over 1.5 billion views, encouraged Atlético fans to wear masks during the match to hurl racial slurs at Vinícius without being identified.
"Utilizing social media, they incited fans to attend the stadium and shout insults with racist undertones," the police said on social media. The online campaign quickly gained momentum, causing significant social unrest, according to the police. As the campaign made headlines across Spain, La Liga announced it would file a formal complaint and demand the arrest of those responsible. "The campaign constitutes a crime of incitement to hatred, clearly defined in the penal code," it stated in a release one day before the derby.
La Liga welcomed the news of the arrests, stating, "These acts do not go unpunished and have their consequences," as it pledged to continue combating hate and racism in football. In March, Vinícius revealed the emotional toll of years of racist abuse, stating that the systematic barrage of insults he had faced at over ten Spanish stadiums was gradually eroding his passion for football. His candid admission, coming from a top contender for this year's Ballon d'Or, prompted anti-racism campaigners to urge Spain to take stronger measures against racism in football.
In June, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for hate crimes against Vinícius, marking the country's first conviction related to racist abuse at a football match, according to La Liga. On Thursday, police confirmed that the four arrests were made in mid-October and that additional arrests could follow as the investigation continues. The impact of the viral campaign is also under investigation by a government-backed anti-violence commission examining allegations of racist abuse. Following the same match, the Spanish football federation fined Atlético €45,000 (£37,000) and imposed a three-game partial stadium closure after supporters threw objects at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
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