Four Handed Suspended Sentences for Vinícius Jr. Effigy Hate Crime

Madrid, Spain – A Madrid court has handed down suspended jail sentences to four individuals found guilty of a hate crime involving an effigy of Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. The incident, which occurred in January 2023, saw the defendants hang a banner reading “Madrid hates Real” and an inflatable black effigy wearing a replica of the Brazilian’s No. 20 shirt from a bridge before a Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

The ruling, announced by Spain’s LaLiga on Monday, found one defendant guilty of a hate crime and threats, resulting in a 15-month prison sentence for the former and an additional seven months for the latter. This individual had also distributed images of the act online. The other three defendants received seven-month sentences for hate crimes and another seven months for threats.

However, none of the four will serve time behind bars. Their prison sentences were suspended after they signed a letter of apology to Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF).

In addition to the suspended sentences, the defendant who posted the video online received a disqualification from working in education, sports, or recreational youth settings for four years and three months. The other three received similar disqualifications for three years and seven months.

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Financial penalties were also imposed, with the first defendant fined 1,084 euros (approximately $1,250 USD) and the other three fined 720 euros (roughly $834 USD). Further punishments include a 1,000-meter restraining order from Vinícius Jr., his home, and workplace, and a ban on approaching soccer stadiums during LaLiga or RFEF matches.

Crucially, all four individuals will be required to participate in an educational program on equal treatment and non-discrimination as a condition for the suspension of their prison sentences.

There has been no immediate confirmation from the court or reaction from Vinícius Jr. regarding the ruling. This case marks a significant development in the ongoing fight against racism and hate crimes in Spanish football, highlighting the judicial system’s commitment to addressing such incidents.