CNN
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Racist chants by a group of Atlético Madrid supporters towards Real Madrid player Vinícius Jr. were filmed ahead of the Madrid derby on Sunday.
In a video posted to Twitter by Spanish radio station COPE, a large group of Atlético fans outside Atleti’s Metropolitano stadium can be heard chanting: “You are a monkey, Vinícius, you are a monkey .”
It came just a day after Vinícius condemned what he described as racist criticism he received for his dancing goal celebrations.
During an appearance on Spanish TV on Friday, Pedro Bravo – a top agent and president of the Association of Spanish Agents – compared the Brazilian’s dancing celebrations after scoring to the behavior of a monkey, arguing that the striker didn’t respect his opponents and ‘should stop playing’. the monkey.”
Bravo has been accused of using racist language by numerous people on social media and has since apologized on Twitter.
“I want to clarify that the phrase ‘playing the monkey’ which I misused to describe Vinicius’ goal celebration dance was employed metaphorically (‘playing the fool’),” Bravo wrote. “Since my intention was not to offend anyone, I sincerely apologize, I’m sorry.”
LILY: Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr condemns ‘racist’ criticism of danced goal celebration
Atlético did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment on the chants outside the stadium, but wrote on Twitter before the match: “Support Atleti with passion and respect for the rival!”
Real opened the scoring with a sensational half-volley from Rodrygo following a superb pass from Aurélien Tchouaméni, with Vinícius joining Rodrygo in his dance celebration after scoring.
In an overheated atmosphere, several Atlético supporters could be seen making gestures towards the Brazilian pair during their celebration.
Los Blancos doubled their lead when Vinícius’ attempted goal ricocheted off the post into the path of Federico Valverde, who finished from a tight angle past a helpless Jan Oblak.
Mario Hermoso scored a late goal but it proved too little, too late as Real closed the nervous deal to extend their perfect start to the season with six league wins from six.
After the match, Vinícius tweeted a picture of Rodrygo and himself dancing with the caption: “Dance wherever you want.”
