Atletico Madrid fans have hung an effigy of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr from a bridge in the Spanish capital ahead of their Copa del Rey clash this evening. 

The shocking act has been unanimously condemned by the clubs and Spanish football bodies, who have called for criminal proceedings against the perpetrators.

It is not the first time the Brazil international has been targeted, by his city rivals, after he was subjected to racist abuse during their La Liga clash earlier this season. 

The city rivals will meet each other for the 231st time later tonight when they battle it out at the Bernabeu stadium to secure a place in the semi-final of the cup, but already the action on the pitch has been overshadowed. 

The inflatable doll, donning a Vinicius Jr shirt, appeared under one of the bridges in the Spanish capital on Thursday morning and was accompanied by a banner that reads: 'Madrid hates Real Madrid'.

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A close-up image of the Vinicius Jr effigy was posted on Madrid Zone's Twitter account

La Liga has released a statement saying they 'strongly condemn acts of hatred and intimidation against Vinicius Jr'. They have also promised to 'investigate' the matter and 'convict' those responsible. 

Their statement read: 'LaLiga strongly condemns acts of hatred and intimidation against Vinicius Jr. LaLiga, as in the past, will press for an investigation into the matter by relevant state security forces and bodies, seeking convictions for those responsible and requesting the most severe sentences.'

Atletico released their statement: '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.

'The rivalry between both clubs is at the highest level, but so is our respect. No individual, whatever his intentions or his colors, can stain the coexistence between different clubs. It is everyone's responsibility to avoid it.

'We do not know the instigator or instigators of this despicable act, but their anonymity does not avoid their responsibility. We hope that the authorities can clarify what happened and that justice helps to banish this type of behavior.'

The Brazilian forward was previously targeted by Atletico fans, who allegedly called him a 'monkey', during their game at the Civitas Metropolitano on September 18, 2022. 

Vinicius didn't score in Real's 2-1 win on the night but he did dance alongside Rodrygo after his compatriot scored the opener. 

Video footage showed Atletico fans directing racist abuse at Vinicius Jr from the stands as he celebrated with his team-mate. 

The supporters were said to be directing monkey chants at the 22-year-old and imitating the animal's actions.

Vinicius Jr was also subjected to racist abuse during their clash with Real Valladolid in December 2022.  

Video footage emerged of the Brazil international exiting the pitch during Madrid's 2-0