Four Spanish Football Fans Convicted for Racist Hate Crimes Against Vinicius Junior
Four individuals convicted for committing hate crimes related to their actions against others.
Catch up on the latest drama in the fascinating world of football! Four aggressive fans in Spain have faced the consequence for their reprehensible behavior. They targeted none other than Real Madrid's star player, Vinicius Junior, by hanging a mannequin in his jersey from a bridge.
These individuals stood trial for their hateful slurs, with a clear intent to intimidate and mock Vinicius Junior. The main culprit received a total of 22 months in prison for disseminating photos of the offensive display online. His cronies received 14 months each. As a condition for their freedom, all four must complete an anti-discrimination course.
TheGUARDIAN reports that one of the offenders received an additional 15 months for committing a hate crime, as defined by Article 510 of the Spanish Criminal Code, in addition to seven months for distributing the image online and amplifying its impact. The men were fined between 720 and 1084 euros and must maintain a 1000-meter distance from the player, his residence, and Real Madrid's training facilities. They are also banned from attending games organized by the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation), including reserves and women's teams. Furthermore, they are prohibited from any form of communication with Vinicius Junior for four years following the end of their sentences.
Apologies were offered to Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the RFEF, which resulted in a sentence reduction. This fellow has been confronted with racist slurs for some time, with an individual sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence in Palma de Mallorca in a case that occurred on February 5, 2023, during the game between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid [1].
It seems that recent developments in Spain demonstrate a significant shift towards stricter penalties for racist abuse in football. In May 2025, the first case in Spain that classified racist insults in a football stadium as a hate crime occurred, with five individuals receiving suspended sentences for racially abusing Vinicius Jr. This incident took place during a match between Real Madrid and Real Valladolid in December 2022 [2][3].
In June 2025, another case involved the hanging of an effigy of Vinicius Jr before a Copa del Rey match, which was deemed a hate crime and threat [1][4]. It appears that Spain is taking concerted action to combat racism in sports, as evidenced by these cases.
Sources:1. ntv.de - New controversy in Spanish football against Vinicius Junior. (2023). DIE WELT.2. dbe/sid - Spanish court sentences four fans for hate crimes against Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. (2025). European Press Agency.3. TheGUARDIAN - Vinicius Junior: Four fans sentenced for racially abusing Real Madrid player. (2025). TheGUARDIAN.4. TheSPORTSAURA - Spanish court sentences four fans for hate crimes against Vinicius Jr. (2025). The Sports Aura.
Keywords:- Hate crimes- Football- Racism- Judgments- La Liga- Staudium Bans
The four Spanish football fans, convicted for their racist hate crimes against Vinicius Junior, will have to complete an anti-discrimination course as a condition for their freedom. These offenders were fined and barred from attending games organized by the RFEF, including reserves and women's teams, and are prohibited from any form of communication with Vinicius Junior for four years following the end of their sentences.
In the wider football community and the realm of general news, this series of convictions signifies a strengthening employment policy against racism, reflecting the crime-and-justice sector's stance on such issues.
