Aksel Kryhlmand
Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius Jr has faced repeated racist abuse on and off the pitch.
Four individuals have been found guilty of committing hate crimes against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, marking a significant legal milestone in the fight against racism in football.
The convictions stem from a shocking incident in January 2023, when an inflatable effigy of the Brazilian international was hung from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground.
Hate Symbol Ahead of Derby Clash
The effigy, displayed just before a Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, was accompanied by a banner reading: “Madrid hates Real”. The act, widely condemned at the time, was seen as an appalling escalation of racist hostility towards Vinicius Jr, who has been a frequent target of racial abuse since arriving in Spain in 2018.
Three of the perpetrators received 14-month suspended prison sentences, while a fourth was handed a 22-month sentence for distributing images of the incident online. All four signed a formal letter of apology addressed to Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish Football Federation (Rfef), which allowed the sentences to be suspended under Spanish law.
Bans and Restraining Orders Issued
As part of the verdict, the individuals have been issued a restraining order prohibiting them from coming within 1km of Vinicius, his home, or Real Madrid’s facilities. They are also barred from attending La Liga or Spain national team matches for the duration of their sentences.
The case is part of a broader legal campaign to tackle racism in Spanish football. According to Real Madrid, this ruling brings the total number of convictions for racist acts against their players to 14.
This criminal conviction comes in addition to the several already handed down in recent months for racist insults received by Real Madrid players at the stadiums in Valladolid, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid, the club stated.
Real Madrid have joined its player in prosecuting this case, and in many others currently underway, and will continue to work to protect the values of our club and to eradicate any racist behaviour in the world of football and sport.
A Long Battle for Justice
Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius Jr has faced repeated racist abuse on and off the pitch. In September 2022, he was subjected to racist chants by Atlético Madrid fans during a La Liga clash. Later that month, he was again targeted during a game against Real Valladolid, which led to five suspended sentences being handed down to individuals involved.
The incident involving the effigy in January 2023 shocked the global football community and intensified calls for action. A month prior, Vinicius had publicly urged La Liga to impose stricter penalties and ban offenders from stadiums.
Why This Matters?
This case is one of the most high-profile examples of football authorities and the Spanish legal system responding with real consequences to racist acts in sport. While the suspended nature of the sentences has drawn some criticism, the convictions are nonetheless a legal recognition of racism as a hate crime, and they establish precedent for future cases.