June 17 – The scourge of racism continues to rear its ugly head across European football, with Spain becoming a particularly toxic battleground where Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has been relentlessly targeted by cowards hiding behind mob mentality and anonymity.
But there may finally be consequences for these despicable acts after a Spanish court handed down suspended jail sentences to four individuals for committing hate crimes against the Brazilian winger – a landmark ruling that should serve as a stark warning to every ‘fan’ who thinks football stadiums are safe spaces for their vile prejudice.
The incident that landed these four men in court occurred in January 2023, before city rivals Atlético were due to play Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Over a bridge near Real’s training ground, the quartet were found guilty of hanging an inflatable effigy of Vinicius Jr alongside a banner that read: “Madrid hates Real” – a pathetic display of hatred that exposed the perpetrators as exactly what they are: racist thugs masquerading as football fans.
Three of the men were sentenced to 14 months in prison, while the fourth received 22 months for sharing the images online. The sentences were suspended after all four signed letters of apology to the Brazil international, Real Madrid, LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
The court imposed a restraining order preventing the quartet from coming within 1km of Vinicius, his home or Real Madrid’s training ground, along with a blanket ban on attending LaLiga or Spain national team matches. It’s the bare minimum these individuals deserve for their inexcusable behaviour.
“This criminal conviction comes in addition to the several already handed down in recent months for racist insults received by Real Madrid players at stadiums in Valladolid, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid,” the club said in a statement.
“Real Madrid have joined their player in prosecuting this case, and in many others currently underway, and will continue to work to protect the values of our club and to eradicate any racist behaviour in the world of football and sport.”
Vinicius Jr has been subjected to racist abuse on numerous occasions, forced to endure the kind of treatment that has no place in civilised society, let alone professional sport. The 24-year-old has courageously and publicly urged Spanish authorities to crack down on these mindless acts of hatred – and it’s about time the legal system started listening.
The uncomfortable truth is that casual racism has been allowed to fester in Spanish football for far too long, normalised by those who turn a blind eye and enabled by authorities who have historically treated racist abuse as mere “banter” rather than the serious criminal behaviour it represents. This court ruling should mark the beginning of zero tolerance, not just another headline that fades into irrelevance.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1750164097labto1750164097ofdlr1750164097owedi1750164097sni@r1750164097etsbe1750164097w.kci1750164097n1750164097