Four Receive Suspended Sentences Over Hate Crime Targeting Vinicius Jr

Four individuals have been handed suspended prison sentences after being convicted of hate crimes directed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, following a disturbing incident in early 2023.

The convictions stem from an incident in January last year when an inflatable mannequin resembling the Brazilian forward was found hanging from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training complex. The effigy was displayed ahead of a Copa del Rey clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. A banner reading “Madrid hates Real” was draped above the figure.

Three of the perpetrators received 14-month suspended prison terms, while a fourth was sentenced to 22 months for distributing images of the act online. The court decided to suspend the sentences after all four defendants issued written apologies to Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

In addition to the suspended sentences, the group has been banned from approaching within one kilometre of Vinicius, his residence, or the club’s training facilities. They are also prohibited from attending any La Liga or Spanish national team matches.

This ruling marks the latest in a series of convictions related to racial abuse aimed at Real Madrid players. According to the club, a total of 14 individuals have now been found guilty in connection to such offences.

“This criminal sentence adds to the various rulings already issued in recent months concerning racist abuse directed at our players in venues including Valladolid, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Madrid,” Real Madrid said in an official statement. “We have supported our player throughout this process and will continue to actively pursue legal action to uphold the values of our institution and eliminate racism from football and sport.”

Vinicius Jr, who joined Real Madrid from Brazilian side Flamengo in 2018, has frequently been subjected to racial abuse throughout his time in Spain. The 24-year-old has made over 300 appearances for the club and has been targeted on multiple occasions, including during a La Liga fixture against Atletico Madrid in September 2022 and again later that month in a match against Valladolid, which led to five people receiving suspended sentences.

In December 2022—just weeks before the effigy incident—Vinicius publicly urged La Liga to enforce stricter sanctions against individuals found guilty of racist behaviour, including match bans.