7 people arrested in Spain for allegedly racially abusing Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior

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Seven people accused of racially abusing Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior have been arrested in Spain, police said Tuesday.

Three were detained in Valencia for alleged abuse against Vinícius in a Spanish league match on Sunday. Four were arrested in Madrid for allegedly hanging an effigy of the player off a highway bridge in January.

The arrests come after an outpouring of support for Vinícius after he said he was abused in Valencia. The case prompted widespread reaction from sports figures and government officials in Spain and worldwide.

SUPPORT FOR SPANISH SOCCER PLAYER VINÍCIUS JÚNIOR CONTINUES TO GROW AFTER MORE RACIAL ABUSE

The nation has been criticized for its lack of action in racism cases in soccer. Brazilian government officials, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, had publicly expressed their concerns.

Vinícius, who is Black, has been subjected to repeated racist taunts since he arrived in Spain five years ago, and especially this season after he began celebrating his goals by dancing.

The Brazilian has heavily criticized Spanish soccer for not doing more to stop racism.

The match against Valencia was temporarily stopped after Vinícius said a fan behind one of the goals called him a monkey and made monkey gestures toward him. Vinícius considered leaving the field but eventually continued playing.

Workers pass a poster of Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior outside a stadium on May 22, 2023. The Black soccer player has been subjected to repeated racist taunts since arriving in Spain five years ago. (AP Photo/Paul White)

The effigy of Vinícius was hanged by the neck on the morning of a derby match between Real Madrid and