Group convicted for publicly displaying a Vinicius Jr. effigy
Headline: Spanish Court Slaps Convictions on Four for Hate Crime Against Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr.
April 25, 2023 (Reuters Update)
A Madrid court has meted out justice to four individuals, convicting them for a vile act of hate crime and threats against Brazilian football sensation, Vinícius Júnior. Treated as a symbol of Real Madrid, the number 20 jersey donned by the star player was the target in a deeply offensive act that took place on a bridge ahead of a Copa del Rey clash against Atlético Madrid in January 2023.
The court verdict states that one of the accused was handed a sentence of 15 months in prison for the hate crime, with an extra seven months tacked on for online threats, having shared visuals of the horrendous act through digital platforms. The other three perpetrators were each sentenced to seven months for hate crimes, and the same number of months for threats.
Yet, they will evade prison time, courtesy of the four penitent culprits, who offered a letter of apology to Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
A designated ban from assuming roles in educational, sports, and recreational sectors for a period of four years and three months will be imposed on the defendant(s) who propagated the disturbing images online, whereas the remaining trio will face a ban of three years and seven months in these sectors. As per a LaLiga statement, these penalties were intentionally planned to send a clear message against hate crimes and discrimination.
The first offender will be fined €1,084 (equivalent to approximately US$1,250), while the others will each foot a bill of €720. Additional penalties include a 1,000-meter restraining order from Vinícius Jr., his home, and workplace, and a prohibition from entering football stadiums during LaLiga or RFEF matches.
To suspend their prison sentences, these offenders will be compelled to attend an educational program focused on equal treatment and non-discrimination. No immediate response or confirmation from the court or Vinícius Jr. has been made public as yet.
Related News:- Exploring Racism in Football- Vinícius Júnior- Real Madrid
In-depth Insights:
- Significant Ruling: The court's ruling is the latest step taken to combat hate crimes and discrimination within Spain's sports arena.
- The Incident: A group of miscreants defaced a mannequin wearing Vinícius Júnior's jersey and displayed it from a bridge, accompanied by a banner that indicated hostility towards Real Madrid.
- Conviction: The individuals have been found guilty under Article 510 of the Spanish Penal Code for hate crimes and making threats. One defendant received a sentence of 15 months for hate crimes and seven extra months for disseminating images online, whereas the others were given seven months each for hate crimes and threats.
- Amidst the ongoing discussions on racism in football, the Spanish court has handed down convictions to four individuals for a hate crime against Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, marking a significant ruling in combating discrimination within Spain's sports arena.
- In a separate tennis of football and justice, the court has decided to impose a four-year and three-month ban from educational, sports, and recreational sectors on the defendant who shared the offensive images online, while the other three perpetrators will face a three-year and seven-month ban in these sectors.
- Beyond the specific case, this landmark verdict underscores the growing need for more stringent actions against hate crimes and discrimination in sports leagues, including European leagues like LaLiga.
