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Key Points

The Provincial Court of Madrid has convicted four fans of a hate crime targeting Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr after they hung a black inflatable doll simulating his hanging. The defendants received prison sentences ranging from one year and two months to one year and ten months, and will be banned from stadiums and sports-related professions. Their actions included displaying a hateful banner and spreading the incident on social media. This verdict is part of a broader effort to combat racism in Spanish football, with fourteen people now criminally convicted for racist attacks against players.

Key Points: Vinicius Jr Hate Crime Verdict Four Fans Convicted in Madrid

  • Court orders prison sentences for racist display against Vinicius Jr
  • Fans banned from stadiums and sports-related professions
  • Incident occurred before Copa del Rey match
  • Defendants must complete non-discrimination training
2 min read

Four fans convicted over hate crime against Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr

Madrid court sentences four fans for racist hate crime against Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr, including prison time and stadium bans

"This criminal sentence adds to several handed down in recent months for racist insults - Real Madrid Club Statement"

Madrid, June 16

The Provincial Court of Madrid issued a guilty verdict against the four fans who, in 2023, hung a black inflatable doll, dressed in the shirt of Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr, from a bridge, simulating his hanging, here on Monday.

The court has ordered sentences of one year and ten months in prison for one of the defendants and one year and two months for the rest.

The incident took place hours before the Copa del Rey quarter-final match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

The accused also displayed a large banner at the scene publicly expressing their hatred of Real Madrid, with the message, 'Madrid hates Real.'

One of the culprits also spread the word about his actions on social media.

The club confirmed that the defendants acknowledged their actions, expressed remorse, and publicly apologized. Each has been found guilty of a hate crime and another of threatening Vinicius Jr.

The defendants will also be required to pay the fines imposed, will be barred from practicing professions related to education and sports for three more years, and have been banned from approaching Vinicius Jr. within 1,000 meters or communicating with him in any way for four years.

Furthermore, the four culprits will not be allowed to attend or approach any football stadium during sporting events during this period, and they will be required to complete a training program on equal treatment and non-discrimination.

"This criminal sentence adds to the several already handed down in recent months for racist insults received by Real Madrid CF players at the Zorrilla (Valladolid), Mestalla (Valencia), Son Moix (Palma de Mallorca), and Vallecas (Madrid) stadiums, including on digital forums. In total, fourteen people have now been criminally convicted for racist attacks against our club's players," read the statement by the club.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments on the Vinicius Jr. hate crime case:
R
Rahul K.
This is absolutely shameful behavior by so-called football fans. Sports should unite people, not divide them. The punishment seems appropriate - hope it sets an example worldwide. Vinicius has shown great strength in facing such racism. 🙏
P
Priya M.
While the punishment is justified, I wonder if prison time is enough to change racist attitudes. The mandatory education program is a good step. In India too, we need stronger action against discrimination in sports - remember how some fans treated African players in ISL?
A
Arjun S.
Football hooliganism has no place in civilized society. These punishments send a strong message - you can't hide behind "passion for the game" to spread hate. Hope Indian clubs are watching and will take similar strict action if needed.
N
Neha P.
The banner saying "Madrid hates Real" shows this wasn't just racism but also deep club rivalry gone wrong. In India, we see similar toxic fan behavior in cricket and football. Maybe we need education programs like Spain is implementing here too.
V
Vikram J.
Good to see strict action, but will this actually stop racism in stadiums? These fans knew they were being filmed and still did it. The social media boasting shows how normalized this behavior had become. Needs continuous effort at grassroots level.
S
Sunita R.
As a football mom, this breaks my heart. How can children enjoy sports when they see such hatred? The 1000m ban from Vinicius seems symbolic but important - gives the player peace of mind. Hope other leagues follow this zero-tolerance approach. ⚽❤️

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