FILE PHOTO: A sign reading “Flame of Racism” is seen as people demonstrate in solidarity with Real Madrid soccer player Vinicius Jr, who was racially abused during a club game in Spain, near the Spanish consulate in Sao Paulo, Brazil May 23, 2023. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File photo
MADRID — Four men detained in Spain earlier this week on suspicion of hate crimes in the hanging of a black effigy of Brazilian soccer star Vinicius Jr from a bridge have been released on bail, a court heard. Madrid court said on Thursday.
The men, who are also being investigated for Vinicius’s offensive conduct, have been banned from accessing and communicating with the Real Madrid winger pending further investigation, a statement from the club said. the court said.
The investigation was opened after a inflatable black dummy Vinicius Jr’s No. 20 shirt hangs from a bridge in front of Real Madrid’s training ground ahead of the match against Atletico Madrid in January.
Next to it is a large red and white banner – Atletico’s colors – that reads “Madrid hates Real”.
Football Soccer – LaLiga – Valencia v Real Madrid – Mestalla, Valencia, Spain – May 21, 2023 Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid gestures to a fan REUTERS/Pablo Morano
The four suspects were also banned from being near Real Madrid’s training ground and near the Club’s two stadiums and any LaLiga stadium during football matches closer than a kilometer.
According to police, three of the men arrested were members of “a radical group of supporters of a Madrid club” who had previously been flagged during matches as “high risk”. “.
Vinicius Jr has been in the spotlight since Sunday when racist chants were hurled at him at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium.
His complaints about Spain and La Liga not doing enough to combat racism have sparked waves of support around the world and a national debate in Spain.
Three other men who were detained on Tuesday in Valencia for allegedly making racist actions against Vinicius during Sunday’s match were released later that day after pledging to appear before the court. authority when summoned.
Police are still conducting investigations into Sunday’s incident and have not ruled out further arrests. It may still be some time before agents hand over their findings to an investigative judge.
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