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'.

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.