In a groundbreaking verdict, five individuals received prison sentences for racially abusing Brazilian footballer Vinicius Jr during a match in Spain. Thursday’s ruling is a major victory in the fight against racism in sports, especially in Spanish football. In the racist attacks he endured during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Valladolid in December 2022, Vinicius was subject to these racist chants and gestures. The truth behind this incident took place as he was exiting the pitch at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium.
Of the five later convicted, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison. Instead, they were given punishments due to their participation in the abusive behavior. They directed racist insults at Vinicius Jr, specifically because of the color of his skin. This act has led to international outrage from across the global football community. The other two men were given suspended prison sentences. They are further prohibited from entering the premises of matches as a result of their role in the incident.
Details of the Abuse
The racist abuse occurred as Vinicius Jr passed a crowd of home supporters after being substituted. Witnesses reported that he endured “shouts, gestures and chants referring to the colour of his skin.” This wasn’t an isolated occurrence. One other supporter was convicted for the racist abuse directed toward Vinicius and his clubmate Samuel Chukwueze. While the penalties might astonish an American, this person was given a suspended jail term and banned from stadiums for three years.
One such aggressor had his one–year jail sentence suspended after tendering an apology to Vinicius Jr in a letter. They were given a direct order to complete anti-discrimination training. This demonstrates the weight with which the governments are treating these crimes.
Legal Implications and Reactions
The court commuted the prison sentences of five former governors. They will live under the threat of reincarceration for up to three years if they commit any future, although not necessarily related, offenses. They are additionally banned from entering stadiums in this time. This decision is celebrated as a significant victory in Spain’s long fight against racism in sports.
LaLiga, which had been instrumental in raising awareness of the case, welcomed the judicial decision with satisfaction.
“Thanks to the efforts of LaLiga, which filed the complaint and initially acted as the sole private prosecution – later joined by the player Vinicius and Real Madrid, as well as the Public Prosecutor’s Office – this exemplary ruling has been achieved,” – LaLiga.
LaLiga expanded on how crucial this ruling is to combat hate crimes in regard to racism in particular.
“This judicial decision represents an unprecedented milestone in the fight against racism in sport in Spain, where, until now, rulings had addressed conduct against moral integrity with a racial aggravating factor.” – LaLiga.
A Step Forward in Combatting Racism
This ruling sends a powerful message that intolerance has no place in football. LaLiga took a mighty stand by announcing this choice. They’re absolutely right to think that abuse and racism should be welcome nowhere on the field or in the sport.
“The fact that this ruling explicitly refers to hate crimes associated with racist insults reinforces the message that intolerance has no place in football.” – LaLiga.
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