Police arrest people for racially abusing Vinicius Junior during Madrid derby

For accusations of hate crimes against Real Madrid footballer Vinicius Junior, four people have been arrested by the Spanish police earlier today. The racist segment within the Atletico Madrid fan base has regularly attacked the Brazilian, and in September, he was scheduled to be singled out again.

The fact that some accounts urged Atletico supporters to show up at the Metropolitano wearing balaclavas to hide their identities and therefore be able to racially attack Vinicius without consequence caused a stir far in advance of the Madrid derby. There were a few balaclava-wearing fans at the Metropolitano.

But it hasn't been without consequences. Four persons have been arrested by police for using social media profiles that incited hatred against Vinicius with racial overtones. La Liga filed three complaints, which led to the arrests. Police on social media reacted to it by saying, “They incited fans through social media to attend the stadium to proffer insults with racial connotastions.”

Because of the objects thrown at Thibaut Courtois during last Sunday's match against Leganes, the Metropolitano's singing section was shut down. Following a spike in occurrences in recent years, La Liga has been eager to highlight that they are combating racism and have been advocating for further ability to penalize teams and supporters—authority that currently rests with the government and Royal Spanish Football Federation.

“Vinicius is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or” : Rivaldo

In addition, Rivaldo selected his countryman and Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr. as the choice to win this year's Ballon d'Or because of all that he accomplished with the team the previous season.

The former Brazil World Cup winner added, “It’s always important when you perform like Vinicius has done. I’m sure he’s confident of winning the Ballon d’Or for everything he did in the Champions League and La Liga with Madrid, even if things didn’t go well for the national team. For me, Vinicius is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.”