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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Atletico fans racially abuse Vinicius</li><li>Call him a 'chimpanzee' ahead of Inter clash</li><li>Club could face legal repurcusions</li></ul>

Atletico Madrid fans inexplicably aim racist chants at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr before Inter Champions League clash

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Atletico Madrid

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Real Madrid

The racist chants directed towards Vinicius Jr. by fans were heard outside the stadium of the Spanish team. This is far from the first time that Vinicius Jr, who plays for Atletico's bitter rivals Real Madrid, has been the victim of racial taunts. Shortly before Atletico's Champions League match, social media users posted videos of themselves berating the forward, calling him a "chimpanzee," as reported by <a href="https://as.com/futbol/champions/lamentables-gritos-racistas-en-el-metropolitano-vinicius-chimpance-v/" target="_blank">AS</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

During the Madrid derby in 2021, the Brazilian was lamentably mocked by Atletico fans with monkey chants and gestures. The Brazilian called on the Spanish government to intervene but, after an investigation, it was deemed the supporters' actions "did not constitute a crime," according to the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13194021/Atletico-Madrid-fans-sing-racist-chant-Vinicius-Jr-chimpanzee.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>. Spanish prosecutors cited the intensity of the Madrid derby and the fact that the events 'lasted only a few seconds' and in an environment of 'maximum hostility.'

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Atletico supporters have targeted Vinicius previously. In February 2023, four fans were sentenced for an incident in which a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/vinicius-junior-doll-hung-from-bridge-by-atletico-fans-with-derby-message-madrid-hates-real/blt5d1c0a106a3b915f" target="_blank">mannequin wearing a Vinicius shirt was hung from a bridge</a> with the message 'Madrid hates Real.'

DID YOU KNOW?

Atletico may now face severe legal repercussions for their fans' racist chants regarding Vinicius, according to the Daily Mail. This time around it cannot be argued that the atmosphere of a "massive rivalry" influenced the supporters, as has been used previously as a defense, as Real Madrid were not involved in the tie. Vinicius has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/real-madrid-star-vinicius-junior-calls-for-lifetime-bans-fans-found-guilty-racist-abuse/bltdc9db4c88d83a994" target="_blank">previously called for lifetime bans</a> for fans found guilty of racist abuse.

WHAT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN?

Atletico Madrid fans inexplicably aim racist chants at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr before Inter Champions League clash | Goal.com

In the lead-up to their match against Inter, Atletico Madrid supporters have once again targeted Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior with racial abuse.