Five people received arrest sentences suspended for racially abusing Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr in an “unprecedented” decision in Spain, La Liga said on Wednesday.
The main division of Spain said this is the first time that racist insults in a soccer stadium have been convicted of hate crime in Spain.
Vinicius, 24, seemed to be subject to racist abuse during a game against Real Valladolid in September 2022 while passing through fans after being replaced by Jose Zorrilla Stadium.
The Valladolid Provincial Court gave the five offenders a sentence of one year in prison, which was suspended on the condition that they no longer commit offenses in the next three years.
They also are not allowed to participate in any match in the same period.
The Court also delivered Fines for the five individuals ranging from 1,080 euros (£ 913) and 1,620 euros (£ 1,369).
“Thanks to La Liga’s efforts, which initially filed the complaint and acted as the only private accusation – later accompanied by player Vinicius and Real Madrid, as well as by the public prosecutor’s office – this exemplary decision was reached,” La Liga said in a statement.
“This court decision represents an unprecedented milestone in the fight against sports in sport in Spain, where, so far, the decisions have addressed conduct against moral integrity with a racial aggravating factor.
“The fact that this decision explicitly refers to hate crimes associated with racist insults reinforces the message that intolerance has no place in football.”
Brazil International Vinicius has faced racist abuse several times during its time in Spain.
In June 2024, Vinicius said “I am not a victim of racism. I am a tormenting of racists” After three fans of Valencia were sentenced to eight months in prison for abusing him in May 2023.
