Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, La Liga issue statement condemning hate actions against Vinicius Jr
Earlier today, some Atletico Madrid fans made the headlines by hanging a mannequin donned in Vinicius Jr’s jersey with a banner that read “Madrid hates Real”.
The vile act came ahead of the derby between Real Madrid and Atletico in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey later today at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Condemning those acts from the fans, Los Rojiblancos have issued a statement that reads as follows (h/t EFE):
“We have always condemned and we condemn any type of violent expression that alters the healthy rivalry in the city. We are against any type of violence and insults.”
Immediately after, La Liga too have issued a statement on the subject, which says (h/t AS):
“La Liga strongly condemns the acts of hate & intimidation against Vinicius. The investigation of the facts will be urged in the search for the conviction of those responsible & we request the most severe criminal sanctions.”
This is a sad development that comes in the aftermath of the Real Madrid superstar being targeted by racial chants at away stadiums on several occasions already this season.
Indeed, Vinicius was the subject of racial abuse during the previous Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano in the first half of the season.
More recently, the Brazilian international was also targeted by fans of Real Valladolid soon after the World Cup break and now some sections of Atletico Madrid fans have resorted to this vile behaviour on derby day.
Hopefully, the authorities act quickly and take strict measures against those involved in the incident. There is no place for this type of behaviour in football and actions need to be taken to root out this evil from the beautiful game.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
