Four individuals have received suspended prison sentences after being found guilty of committing a hate crime against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.
The case stems from a disturbing incident in January 2023 when the group hung an inflatable effigy of Vinicius over a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground.
The effigy, displayed just before Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash with Atletico Madrid, was accompanied by a banner that read: “Madrid hates Real.”
The act drew widespread condemnation and intensified the spotlight on ongoing racist abuse directed at the 24-year-old footballer.
Three of the perpetrators were sentenced to 14 months in prison, while the fourth received a 22-month term for distributing images of the effigy online.
However, the court suspended the sentences after all four signed a formal apology to Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish Football Federation (Rfef).
As part of the sentencing, the group is prohibited from coming within one kilometre of Vinicius Jr, his home, or Real Madrid’s training facility. Additionally, they are barred from attending any La Liga or Spain national team matches.
Vinicius Jr has frequently found himself at the centre of racial abuse since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018.
The Brazilian winger was the target of racist chants by Atletico Madrid fans in September 2022 and was again abused during a match against Real Valladolid later that month, leading to five individuals receiving suspended prison sentences.
In December 2022, just weeks before the effigy incident, Vinicius publicly called on La Liga to take stronger action against racism, urging lifetime bans for offenders.
He has since become a prominent voice in the fight against racism in football, drawing support from players, clubs, and governing bodies across the sport.
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