Atletico Madrid fans condemned for hanging 'repugnant' effigy of Vinicius Jr

Atletico Madrid fans face criminal prosecution after hanging an effigy of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr ahead of the Copa del Rey clash between the rival clubs on Thursday night.

La Liga and both clubs condemned the “repugnant” act of an inflatable dummy dressed in the kit of the Brazilian being hung under one of the bridges in the Spanish capital. It came with a sign translated as “Madrid hates Real Madrid” and has racial connotations.

It is the latest incident where Vini Jr, 22, has been targeted by Atletico fans and he was subjected to being called a monkey earlier this season when the Madrid rivals met in La Liga. The effigy prompted Atletico to release a statement asking for legal action.

“That such acts are absolutely repugnant and inadmissible and shame society,” read their statement. “Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of persons or institutions is categorical and unreserved.

“We do not know the perpetrator or perpetrators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities succeed in clarifying what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behaviour.”

La Liga have promised to investigate the matter and 'convict' those who are responsible. Their statement read: “LaLiga strongly condemns acts of hatred and intimidation against Vinicius Jr. LaLiga, as in the past, will press for an investigation into the matter by relevant state security forces and bodies, seeking convictions for those responsible and requesting the most severe sentences.”

Vinicius Jr has also been subjected to racist abuse during Real’s clash with Real Valladolid last December, with an object seen to be thrown in his direction and monkey chants when he kicked the missile.

The Brazilian, who scored the winner in last season’s Champions League final, said at the time: "Racists keep going to games and watching the greatest club in the world up close and La Liga continues to do nothing. I will carry on with my head held high and celebrating my victories and those of Madrid. In the end the fault is mine."