Four people have been arrested in Spain over allegedly conducting an online campaign of hate and racism against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.
The campaign is said to have encouraged supporters to racially abuse the 24-year-old, asking them to wear black face masks to avoid being identified, police confirmed.
The Brazil forward broke down in a press conference earlier this year when talking about the racist abuse he has encountered, saying he felt “less and less” like playing football following multiple incidents.
The men were detained on 14 and 15 October and then released as investigations continue.
Spain’s national police did not name the four men who were arrested and questioned, with no immediate statement from any lawyers representing them.
They added the investigation remains open and could lead to more arrests after the online campaign raised “significant social alarm” by going viral.
The first detentions by police linked to the campaign happened on 29 September in the build-up to the La Liga derby at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, with the hashtag translated in English to ‘Metropolitano with a mask’ reportedly used.
Though no racist incidents were reported at the match, officials did temporarily suspend the game after objects were thrown on to the pitch.
Three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison in June for abusing the Madrid forward at a match in May 2023.
In August, the Brazilian said he and his team-mates will leave the pitch if they face any more racism this season.
He added that the only way to drive racism out of football altogether may be by stopping matches.
