Four individuals sentenced for their involvement in displaying an effigy of Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior.
A Madrid court has recently delivered suspended jail sentences ranging from 14 to 22 months to four individuals found guilty of committing a hate crime against Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian forward for Real Madrid. This verdict marks the fourth court sentencing in one year concerning racial abuse and threats targeted at the athlete, as confirmed by Spain’s La Liga.
The accused were involved in an alarming incident in January 2023, during which they hung an offensive banner reading “Madrid hates Real” alongside an inflatable effigy donned in a replica of Vinicius’s number 20 jersey, all displayed on a bridge just before a Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid.
According to the court ruling, one individual received a 15-month prison sentence for the hate crime and an additional seven months for making threats through the distribution of related images online. The remaining three defendants received sentences of seven months in prison each for similar hate crimes, cumulated with additional charges of threats. However, all four will not serve time behind bars, as they collectively issued a formal apology to Vinicius, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish football federation (RFEF).
Alongside their suspended sentences, these individuals have been subjected to other penalties, including fines—1,084 euros (,257) for the primary defendant and 720 euros (5) for each of the remaining three. Additional consequences involved a restraining order prohibiting them from approaching Vinicius, his home, workplace, or even football stadiums during La Liga or RFEF matches, reflecting the seriousness of their actions. Participation in an educational program focusing on equality and non-discrimination is also required for the terms of their sentences to be lifted.
La Liga has expressed a firm commitment to addressing issues of racism within football. Over the past few years, a series of incidents have resulted in legal actions against those who have directed racial abuse toward Vinicius. In a groundbreaking move, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison last year for racially motivated offenses, marking a significant step towards combating racism in Spanish football stadiums.
As the world continues to grapple with issues of racial discrimination, initiatives such as these reflect the growing recognition of the importance of promoting respect and equality in all sectors, including sports. With Vinicius Junior currently competing in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, attention to these pressing matters remains crucial for fostering a more inclusive environment in football.
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