Madrid prosecutors will not prosecute a racist chant directed at Vinicius Jr. before the Madrid derby after finding that it “lasted seconds” and did not constitute a crime.
A group of Atlético de Madrid fans were filmed outside the Civitas Metropolitano stadium singing “Vinicius, you’re a monkey”, as Real Madrid won 2–1 on 18 September. Real Madrid won 2–1.
Subsequently, anti-racist lobby groups against intolerance filed complaints, while La Liga accused the Spanish Football Federation’s Competition Commission and the Spanish Commission of denouncing the anthem against violence.
The public prosecutor decided not to pursue the case. The EFE news agency reported that the Madrid Public Prosecutor’s Office had ruled that singing was “offensive” and “disrespectful” but not a crime.
Prosecutors believe there is no specific conduct for which a particular person could be prosecuted, reported the EFE, and said the racist chant performed in the context of a “hotly contested” football match was , considered not a crime against dignity” De Vinicius.
Vinicius, who is competing with Brazil in the Qatar World Cup, said fans found guilty of racist abuse should be banned from watching the game for life after the incident.
“Atletico Madrid fans should never be allowed to set foot in the stadium again,” he told Globo in October. “It will make them suffer the consequences and reflect on their actions.”
After the derby, Atlético de Madrid denounced the song as “unacceptable” and said it “does not tolerate racism”, adding that the club would expel members who identified themselves as participants.
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