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Football

20th Sep 2022

Atlético Madrid condemn racist chants aimed at Vinicius Jr

Callum Boyle

Vinicius Jr

The Real Madrid forward was the subject of a number of racist chants

Atlético Madrid have a released a statement condemning the racist chants aimed towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian was subjected to several chants outside the Wanda Metropolitano before Atlético’s derby day defeat to their city rivals on Sunday.

Outside the ground, large numbers of Atletico supporters can be heard singing “You are a monkey, Vinicius you are a monkey”.

It followed after Vinicius Jr had been the victim of a vile racist attack live on Spanish TV.

Pedro Bravo, president of the Spanish Agents Association, had taken issue with the Brazilian dancing when celebrating his goals and, during an appearance on El Chiringuito TV, said he should ‘stop playing the monkey’.

The LaLiga side released a statement on Tuesday, ’roundly condemning the inadmissible chants’ and called ‘racism is one of the biggest scourges in our society.’

They added that Atlético “has always been characterised by being an open and inclusive space for fans of different nationalities, cultures, races and social classes” and that a “few cannot tarnish the image of thousands and thousands of athletes who support their team with passion and with respect for the rival.”

Atléti also issued a zero-tolerance stance on the issue and that they have contacted the authorities to investigate the events that occurred outside the stadium.

Meanwhile an Atlético fan, who was caught on camera with a monkey doll before kick off, revealed that he was beaten up by a number of Real Madrid fans while walking in the city after the game.

He posted a message on social media showing the cuts and bruises on his face alongside the original image of him carrying the doll.

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