4 Spanish fans jailed for hate comments against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr
Four Spanish fans have received suspended jail sentences after being found guilty of committing hate crimes against Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
The group were convicted for hanging an inflatable effigy of the Brazilian forward off a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground in January 2023, just hours before a Copa del Rey clash against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
A banner placed above the effigy read, “Madrid hates Real.”
Three of the perpetrators were sentenced to 14 months in prison, while the fourth received a 22-month term for distributing images of the act online.
All sentences were suspended after the accused signed letters of apology addressed to Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
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In addition to the suspended terms, the court imposed a restraining order banning the four from coming within one kilometre of Vinicius, his residence, or the club’s training ground. They are also prohibited from attending any La Liga or Spain national team matches.
Vinicius Jr, 24, has been a repeated target of racial abuse since arriving at Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018.
The winger has endured multiple incidents, including racist chanting by Atletico Madrid fans in September 2022 and further abuse during a match against Real Valladolid later that year, which resulted in suspended sentences for five individuals.
The Brazilian international, who has made 316 appearances for Real Madrid, has been vocal in demanding stronger action from football authorities, urging La Liga in late 2022 to impose stadium bans on offenders found guilty of racist abuse.
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