Vinicius and Real Madrid win battle, man sentenced to prison

Real Madrid have released an official statement regarding a legal decision directly involving Vinicius Junior.

For several months, Vinicius has become a major symbol of the fight against racism in Spanish football. The Brazilian has indeed been the target of multiple attacks, notably in Mallorca and Valencia. However, with the support of Real Madrid, Vinicius has just won a real victory in this fight.

Indeed, this Thursday, Real Madrid announced that an individual had been sentenced to twelve months in prison by the Spanish justice system for having made racist insults against Vinicius Junior, the club's number 7. In addition, a minor who had targeted Aurélien Tchouaméni was acquitted after apologizing and agreeing to perform community service.

Real Madrid's press release

Real Madrid CF announces that the Investigating Court No. 3 of Palma de Mallorca has today handed down a sentence against the person who, from his place in the stands of the Son Moix stadium, made racist insults against our player Vinicius Júnior during the match between Mallorca and Real Madrid on February 5, 2023.

The accused was found guilty of two crimes against moral integrity, aggravated by racist motivations, committed against Vinicius Júnior and also against Samu Chukwueze, then a Villarreal player, who was the victim of similar insults at the same stadium two weeks later.

The court sentenced the defendant to twelve months in prison and a three-year ban from entering stadiums hosting La Liga and Royal Spanish Football Federation matches. The prison sentence was suspended on condition that he participate in an equality and non-discrimination program, after he apologized and expressed his regret in a letter to Vinicius Júnior.

In addition, a minor who insulted Aurélien Tchouameni for his race during a match on April 13, 2024 apologized and agreed to follow socio-educational activities. He will be banned from the stadium for one year and will have to pay the fines imposed.