Four Sentenced For Hate Crimes Against Vinicius Junior In Madrid

Four individuals have been sentenced to suspended prison terms after committing hate crimes against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr., stemming from an incident in January 2023 where a black inflatable effigy dressed in his kit was hung from a bridge accompanied by a banner stating "Madrid hates Real." One defendant received a 15-month sentence for a hate crime and an additional seven months for issuing threats by sharing images online, while the other three received seven months each for hate crimes and threats. All four signed letters of apology and had their sentences suspended on the condition they complete training programs on equal treatment and non-discrimination. They are prohibited from coming within 1,000 meters of Vinicius, his residence, or Real Madrid's training ground, and banned from stadiums during matches for four years following the prison term. This case is part of ongoing efforts by Real Madrid, the player, and LaLiga to combat repeated racist abuse, with 14 individuals now having criminal convictions related to such incidents. Vinicius Jr. has become a prominent figure in the fight against racism in football, calling for stronger sanctions and garnering support from across the sport.