Atleti ultras punished for Vini effigy

Four Atletico Madrid ultras have been handed suspended jail sentences for hanging a dummy of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior from a bridge in what police deemed a “hate crime”, judicial sources said on Monday.

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A dark-skinned effigy wearing the Brazil forward’s jersey was hung by the neck from a highway bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground in January 2023 ahead of the club’s match against Atletico.

Police in May 2023 arrested four men — all of them members of Frente Atletico, one of Atletico Madrid’s ultra fan groups — who were suspected of being responsible.

Under a plea deal with the prosecution which still must be confirmed by a court, the four pleaded guilty to the crimes of making threats against the player and infringing his fundamental rights, the judicial sources said.