FOUR people have been sentenced to 14-22 months in prison for HATE CRIMES AND THREATS against Vinícius Junior.

FOUR people have been sentenced to 14-22 months in prison for HATE CRIMES AND THREATS against Vinícius Junior.

Four people have been sentenced by a Madrid court for a hate crime targeting Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. The incident took place in January 2023, just before a Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. The convicted individuals hung a banner reading “Madrid hates Real” alongside an inflatable black effigy wearing a No. 20 shirt resembling Vinicius Jr, who is Brazilian and Black. The act was widely condemned as racist and threatening.

According to LaLiga, the court found the individuals guilty of both hate crimes and making threats. One of them, who posted a video of the act online, received a 15-month sentence for hate crimes and another seven months for threats. The other three were each handed a seven-month sentence for both offenses. However, none of the four will serve actual jail time because the sentences were suspended after they signed letters of apology addressed to Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

The case drew intense media attention and further highlighted the issue of racism in Spanish football, especially towards Vinicius Jr, who has been targeted multiple times. The ruling marks the first known criminal sentence in Spain involving racism directed at a footballer in this way. LaLiga hailed the court's decision as a significant step in the ongoing fight against racism in sport and society at large.

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Though jail sentences were handed out, the convicted individuals avoided serving time behind bars by meeting certain conditions. They issued written apologies to Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the Spanish football federation. This public acknowledgment of wrongdoing was a key part of the court’s decision to suspend the prison terms. However, their punishment included more than apologies.

The person who shared the video online was given a four-year and three-month ban from working with minors or in any youth, sport, or educational setting. The other three received similar bans, lasting three years and seven months each. Additionally, the court imposed restraining orders on all four individuals, forbidding them from coming within 1,000 meters of Vinicius Jr, his residence, or his workplace. They are also barred from entering football stadiums during any match organized by LaLiga or the RFEF.

Fines were part of the sentence as well. The primary defendant was fined €1,084, while the others received €720 fines. All four must now complete an educational program focused on equal treatment and non-discrimination. This program is a condition for their suspended sentences, reinforcing the court’s aim to promote rehabilitation over incarceration.

LaLiga emphasized that the ruling sets an important legal precedent and sends a clear message that acts of racism and hate will be pursued in court. Vinicius Jr, a rising star and outspoken critic of racism in football, has not yet issued a public response to the verdict. His silence aside, the court's ruling and LaLiga’s firm stance are being seen as a rare but needed step toward accountability and change in Spanish football culture.