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Four men have received suspended prison sentences ranging from 14 to 22 months after being found guilty of hate crimes and threats directed at Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior, stemming from an incident before a Copa del Rey clash with Atlético Madrid in January 2023.
The convictions relate to the display of a racist effigy—a doll dressed in a replica of Vinícius’s No. 20 shirt—hung from a bridge in Madrid, alongside a banner reading “Madrid hates Real”. The act, widely condemned at the time, was investigated after LaLiga filed a formal complaint. Authorities later arrested four individuals, and on Monday, a Madrid court issued its ruling.
“In the ruling, one of the defendants was sentenced to 15 months in prison for a hate crime (under Article 510 of the Spanish Penal Code) and an additional seven months for making threats, having disseminated images of the act online, thereby amplifying its impact,” LaLiga announced.
“The other three were each sentenced to seven months in prison for hate crimes and seven months for threats. In addition, the first defendant was fined €1,084 and the other three were fined €720, along with the following additional measures: A restraining order prohibiting them from coming within 1,000 metres of Vinícius, his residence, or place of work (Valdebebas Training Ground); A ban on approaching within 1,000 metres any football stadium during matches held under the LaLiga calendar or competitions organised by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), including reserve and women's teams, from four hours before until four hours after each match; A prohibition on any form of communication with the victim, all for a period of four years from the end of the prison term. All defendants also signed a letter of apology addressed to Vinícius, Real Madrid, LaLiga and the RFEF, which led to mitigation for damage reparation.”
While none of the men will serve time in jail due to their cooperation and formal apologies, the ruling includes bans from football venues and specific locations near the player. Additionally, they must complete a course on equality and anti-discrimination as a condition for the suspended sentences.
Real Madrid, which acted as a private party in the case alongside Vinícius, welcomed the verdict, noting a broader trend of legal action being taken against racist incidents targeting its players.
“The defendants have acknowledged their actions, expressed their remorse, and publicly apologized. Each of them has been found guilty of a hate crime, and another of threatening our player Vinícius Jr."
"This criminal sentence comes after the several already handed down in recent months for racist insults received by Real Madrid players at the José Zorrilla Stadium (Valladolid), Mestalla (Valencia), Son Moix (Palma de Mallorca), and Vallecas (Madrid) stadiums, including on digital forums. In total, fourteen people have now been criminally convicted for racist attacks against our club's players."
"Real Madrid, which, along with the player, has acted as a private party in this case and in many others currently underway, will continue working to protect the values of our club and eradicate any racist behaviour in the world of football and sport.”
Additionally, five Real Valladolid fans were convicted last month and handed suspended 12-month prison sentences for incidents involving racial insults towards Vinícius in 2022.
Vinícius has not commented publicly on the latest court decision, as he is currently representing Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @vinijr
