Spain opens probe into racist chants about Vinicius Junior

MADRID: 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 organization 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 analyze the recordings of these incidents in order to identify the people who uttered these racist insults in order to see if they had any ties with violent or extremist groups,” it said. They had also asked the police to investigate whether the chanting was repeated inside the stadium, and have asked Atletico’s security staff to hand over any information “that could help clarify what happened,” it said.