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In a groundbreaking ruling, five Real Valladolid fans have been found guilty of hate crimes for racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr during a La Liga match in December 2022. This landmark conviction sets a new precedent in the fight against racism in Spanish football.
The Incident
On December 30, 2022, Vinicius Jr was subjected to racist chants as he walked off the pitch after being substituted during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win away to Real Valladolid. The abuse was caught on camera, leading to a swift investigation and subsequent charges.
The Punishment
The five offenders have been sentenced to one year in prison, with fines ranging from €1,080 to €1,620. While the prison sentences have been suspended, the conditions are clear: no further offenses in the next three years, and no attendance at any matches during the same period.
A First in Spanish Football
This ruling marks the first time in Spanish football history that racist insults have been condemned as a hate crime. La Liga, who filed the complaint, hailed the ruling as an “exemplary decision” that sends a strong message that intolerance has no place in football.
Not an Isolated Incident
Unfortunately, Vinicius Jr has been the only victim of racist abuse in La Liga. In June, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for insulting Vinicius with racist chants. In September, a fan who racially abused Vinicius and Villarreal player Samuel Chukwueze was also found guilty and handed a suspended prison sentence.
A Step Forward
While there is still much work to be done to eradicate racism from football, this ruling is a step in the right direction. As La Liga said, “this judicial decision represents an milestone in the fight against racism in sport in Spain.”
The aggressor had a 12-month sentence suspended after apologising in a letter to Vinicius and undergoing antidiscrimination training and was also banned from stadiums for three years.
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