The first Madrid derby of the season was controversy-riddled, especially after objects began being hurled at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after he celebrated his team’s opener.
Play was eventually suspended with players asked to vacate the field and the game only restarted close to 15 minutes later after the situation had been diffused and the crowd disciplined.
That, however, was not the only controversy at Civitas Metropolitano on the night as Vinicius Jr. was once again targeted by opposition fans during the game.
Perpetrators identified
As revealed in a recent report by Mundo Deportivo, the National Police have arrested four Atletico Madrid fans for scheming to instigate racial slurs against the Brazilian winger leading up to the derby.
They ran hate campaigns on social media to gather support and encouraged racial insults on Vinicius during the proceedings on the night. They are now held on charges of incitement and hatred and may be joined by other guilty parties soon.
After the ugly events that unfolded during the game, the RFEF imposed partial closure of the south stand of the stadium for three games and a financial fine on Atletico Madrid for the acts committed by their fans.
There is no room for racism in the beautiful game and Vinicius Jr has been targeted for the same for years to no end. While he has fought valiantly against the regressing practice, it has not helped improve the situation.
It remains to be seen if the latest series of arrests deposits some sense into those who engage in such activities and discourages them from continuing it in the future.
As for Real Madrid, all eyes are on the upcoming Clasico this weekend against FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.