Court orders jail time for soccer supporters due to racist remarks against Real Madrid player Vinícius Jr. in Spain.
The culprits will also be prohibited from attending Spanish soccer games for two years and are required to pay expenses connected to the case.
This groundbreaking conviction marks the first of its kind in Spain, as a result of a lawsuit filed by LaLiga which was later supported by the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation), Real Madrid, and Vinícius Jr., the victim himself, according to a statement from La Liga.
In a social media post, Brazilian superstar Vinícius Jr. stated: "Many people urged me to overlook it, while others argued that my fight was pointless and that I should simply focus on playing soccer. However, I've consistently held that I am not a victim of racism. I am the one who torments racists. This first-ever criminal conviction in Spanish history is not for me; it's for all black individuals.
"Let other racists fear, be ashamed, and hide in the shadows, or else I'll be here to get them. I'd like to express my gratitude to La Liga and Real Madrid for their assistance in achieving this historic conviction."
The initial sentences of 12-month prison terms and three-year stadium bans were lowered because the individuals declared their criminal responsibility and expressed remorse, which included penning a letter of apology to Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid, and La Liga.
As part of their apology, the defendants expressed their regret, requested that all forms of racism and intolerance be eradicated in competitions, and pledged to make amends. Lawyers representing the individuals requested that their prison terms be postponed, and the prosecution did not object to this request. In Spain, suspended sentences are common for first-time non-violent offenses carried out under two years. The presiding judge will decide on the request at a later date.
La Liga President Javier Tebas expressed his delight with the decision's implications for the fight against racism in Spain, stating, "This decision represents a significant development in our battle against racism in Spain, as it addresses the wrong endured by Vinícius Jr. and sends a bold message to those individuals who go to a soccer stadium with the intention of hurling abuse."
La Liga will identify and report these individuals, with consequences following as a result of the ruling.
FIFA's President, Gianni Infantino, also commended the actions of the Spanish authorities and vowed to continue their efforts to combat racism in soccer.
"I'm glad to see the firm response and sentencing taken by the Spanish authorities regarding the racist abuse targeting Vinícius Jr. in a Spanish La Liga match in May 2023. This is a positive development," Infantino remarked in a statement. "We can no longer tolerate what is happening in stadiums and on the pitch. Our message to people around the world who engage in racist behavior in relation to football is clear: we don't want you.
"These individuals must be excluded. They are not part of our community, and they are not part of football."
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The supporters, facing consequences for their racist remarks against Vinićius Jr. during a football match, will now miss out on watching Spanish football matches for two years. Vinićius Jr., a prominent figure in football, has been an advocate against such racist behavior, using his platform to fight against it.
