Real Madrid and Atletico release statements condemning fans actions aimed at Vinicius

Ahead of tonight's derby, the Atletico Madrid fans dressed a doll in a Vinicius Junior shirt and hang it off a bridge in Madrid, with a banner above reading "Madrid hates Real."

Real Madrid have released a statement in support of their player.

"Real Madrid wants to thank the support and expressions of affection received after the unfortunate and disgusting act of racism, xenophobia and hatred against our player Vinicius.

"We express our strongest condemnation of events that violate the fundamental rights and dignity of people, and that have nothing to do with the values that football and sport represent.

"These attacks, such as those that our player now suffers, or those that any athlete can suffer, cannot have a place in a society like ours.

"Real Madrid trusts that all the responsibilities of those who have participated in such despicable act will be purged."

"Acts like this are absolutely disgusting and inadmissible and embarrass society. Our condemnation of any act that attacks the dignity of people or institutions is resounding and unmitigated.

"We do not know the author or authors of this despicable act, but their anonymity does mean lack of responsibility. We hope that the authorities are able to clarify what happened and that justice helps banish this type of behaviour."

The statement from Atletico was directly aimed at their supporters.

"The rivalry between both clubs is absolute, but so is the respect. No individual, whatever his intentions or his colours, can stain the coexistence between the group of supporters. It is everyone's responsibility to avoid it.