In a shocking turn of events, four individuals have been arrested in Spain for allegedly orchestrating a vile online hate campaign against Real Madrid's star forward, Vinicius Jr. The police revealed that these arrests were made on October 14 and 15, as part of an investigation into a disturbing trend encouraging Atletico Madrid fans to racially abuse the talented Brazilian player.
The campaign, which gained traction leading up to the intense Madrid derby on September 29, featured the hashtag #MetropolitanoConMascarilla, urging fans to don face masks to hide their identities while launching their insults. This sinister initiative has raised "significant social alarm," according to police, who are continuing their investigation and hinting that more arrests could follow.
Legal Proceedings and Previous Incidents
Vinicius Jr., who has been the target of racial abuse during matches, previously labeled LaLiga and Spain as "racist" after enduring slurs from the stands at Valencia's Mestalla stadium. This isn't the first time the football community has faced the consequences of such hatred; in a landmark ruling, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison in June for hate crimes against Vinicius, marking a significant step in combating racism in Spanish football.
As the investigation unfolds, the identities of the arrested men remain undisclosed, and no legal representation has been announced. The Spanish National Police are set to present their findings to a judge, who will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. Meanwhile, LaLiga has taken a firm stance, demanding the arrest of those involved in this abhorrent campaign, which they classify as incitement to hatred. Atletico Madrid has also expressed their commitment to addressing any racist or intolerant behavior among their associates.
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