Four individuals have been given suspended prison sentences after being found guilty of a racist attack targeting footballer Vinicius Jr. The incident took place in January 2023 when an inflatable effigy of the player was hung from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground, accompanied by a hostile banner shortly before a major match.
Three of the individuals were sentenced to 14 months in prison, while the fourth received a 22-month sentence for sharing images of the act online. However, all sentences were suspended after the group signed a formal apology addressed to Vinicius Jr, his club, the football league, and the national federation.
As part of the ruling, the individuals are prohibited from coming within one kilometre of the player, his residence, or Real Madrid’s facilities. They are also banned from attending any La Liga or Spain national team matches.
This ruling adds to a growing list of convictions related to racist abuse in football, with several others recently sentenced for similar offenses targeting players during matches. Vinicius Jr, who has faced repeated racial abuse since joining the club in 2018, has been vocal in calling for stronger actions against racism in the sport.
