Legal Outcome for Hate Crimes Against Vinícius Júnior
In a significant legal outcome following a series of hate crimes, four individuals have received prison sentences ranging from 14 to 22 months for their actions directed at Brazilian football star Vinícius Júnior. This verdict stems from an incident in January 2023, prior to a Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, where a doll dressed in Vinícius’s Real Madrid kit was hung from a bridge, accompanied by a banner stating “Madrid hates Real.”
Pursuit and Sentencing
The case was pursued by LaLiga, which led to the arrest of the suspects later that year. A Madrid court confirmed the guilty verdicts on Monday. Among the defendants, one received a 15-month sentence for engaging in a hate crime, as defined by Article 510 of the Spanish Penal Code, and an additional seven months for making threats after he posted images of the incident online, thereby expanding its reach. The other three received identical sentences of seven months each for the hate crimes and threats.
Fines and Restraining Orders
In addition to the prison time, the court imposed various fines: the principal defendant was fined €1,084, while the remaining three were penalized with €720 each. The sentences also included strict measures to ensure the safety of Vinícius, such as a four-year restraining order prohibiting them from being within 1,000 meters of the player, his home, or his workplace at Valdebebas Training Ground.
Furthermore, they are banned from approaching any football stadium during LaLiga or Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) events, from four hours before until four hours after matches, and are prohibited from any form of communication with Vinícius during the same period.
Apologies and Ongoing Actions
As part of the court’s ruling, each defendant signed a letter of apology to Vinícius, Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the RFEF, which contributed to a reduction in reparations owed for damages. This ruling marks the latest chapter in ongoing actions against abuse suffered by Vinícius.
In related cases, other fans have been penalized for racist acts against him, including three who received eight-month prison sentences and a two-year stadium ban for similar offenses in May 2023, and a Mallorca supporter who faced a 12-month suspended sentence last September. Additionally, in May, five Real Valladolid fans who racially insulted Vinícius were also sentenced to 12 months suspended sentences along with significant fines.
This consistent judicial response highlights a growing intolerance for racism in sports in Spain.
