Home LALIGA News Update Valencia fans sentenced to jail for Vinicius racist abuse

Valencia fans sentenced to jail for Vinicius racist abuse

Three Valencia fans were sentenced to jail over the racist abuse of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior at Mestalla in May 2023.

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Valencia fans jailed for racist abuse towards Vinicius

To recall, the said three Valencia fans racially abused the Brazil international during Matchday 35 last year.

Spanish court found the three fans guilty of a crime against moral integrity — aggravated by racially motivated discrimination.

They received a 12-month prison sentence, reduced by one-third to eight months, under a principle which provides reduced punishments for defendants who accept criminal responsibility.

In addition, their three-year stadium ban was lowered to just two years.

“Many people asked me to ignore it, others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just ‘play football’,” Vinicius said in a post on X.

“But, as I’ve always said, I’m not a victim of racism. I am an executioner of racists. This first criminal conviction in Spanish history is not for me. It’s for all black people.

“Let the other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I’ll be here to call them out. Thank you to LaLiga and Real Madrid for helping to bring about this historic condemnation. There’s more to come.”

Muitos pediram para que eu ignorasse, outros tantos disseram que minha luta era em vão e que eu deveria apenas "jogar futebol".

Mas, como sempre disse, não sou vítima de racismo. Eu sou algoz de racistas. Essa primeira condenação penal da história da Espanha não é por mim. É por… https://t.co/NdezpJBjF2

— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) June 10, 2024

Real Madrid speaks up for Vinicius

Real Madrid stated that the convicted fans have already written a ‘public letter of apology’ to Vinicius and to the club.

In addition, Madrid said their work to eradicate racism continues.

“This is the first conviction for acts of this nature handed down by criminal courts and tribunals.”

“Real Madrid, which participated in this prosecution together with Vinícius Júnior, will continue working to protect the values of our club and eradicate any racist behavior in the world of football and sport.”