Four countries were arrested in Spain for allegedly running an online campaign of hate and racism against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.
The campaign is alleged to have inspired followers to racially abuse the 24-year-old, asking them to wear a dark mask to avoid being known, police showed.
The Brazilian striker appeared unwell at a press conference this year when talking about the racist abuse he has suffered and stated that he had “less and less” desire to play football after more than one incident.
The children were detained on October 14 and 15 and will be held as the investigations progress.
Spain’s national police did not name the four men who were arrested and bewildered, without a brief comment from the lawyers representing them.
They added that the investigation remains notable and that there could be more arrests following the Internet campaign that generated “significant social alarm” by going viral.
The first arrests by police related to the campaign took place on September 29 in the run-up to the Los Angeles League derby at Atlético de Madrid’s Metropolitan Stadium, with the hashtag translated in English as “Metropolitan with mask “supposedly used.
Despite negative racist incidents being reported during the attack, officials soon abandoned the game. The nearest items were thrown directly into the tone.
Three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison in June for abusing the Madrid striker in an attack in May 2023.
In August, the Brazilian claimed that he and his teammates would lose their temper if they faced more racism this season.
He added that the only solution to completely eliminate racism from football could also be to prevent attacks.
