Spain opens probe into racist chants about Vinicius Junior

(FILES) In this file photo taken on September 18, 2022 Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior gestures toward the public during the Spanish League football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid. – Spanish justice announced on September 23, 2022 to have launched an investigation against Atletico de Madrid fans, accused of singing racist songs against Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, Vinicius Junior, during a derby between the two clubs held on September 18. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

Spanish prosecutors said on Friday they had opened an inquiry into Atletico Madrid’s supporters over racist chants aimed at Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior ahead of the clubs’ La Liga derby clash.

The investigation was opened following a complaint by an anti-racism organisation over the chanting which erupted from a group of Atletico fans at their Wanda Metropolitano stadium before and during Sunday’s match.

“You are a monkey, Vinicius, you are a monkey,” they could be heard chanting in footage recorded by Cope radio as the Real Madrid coach arrived at the stadium.

It said there were “hundreds” of fans involved.

Further chanting occurred during the match, with Atletico fans throwing things, including lighters, at Vinicius Junior and his Brazilian compatriot Rodrygo as they celebrated a goal.

Real Madrid won 2-1.

“Madrid prosecutors have opened an investigation into the racist-tinged chanting which was heard both inside and outside Atletico Madrid’s stadium against a Real Madrid player during their match on Sunday 18 September,” a statement said.

“Prosecutors have asked the police to analyse the recordings of these incidents in order to identify the people who uttered