Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - Four individuals have been found guilty of a hate crime in connection with an effigy of Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr., a Madrid court ruled on Monday, June 16.
The case stems from a disturbing incident in January 2023,
when a banner reading "Madrid hates Real" and an inflatable black
effigy wearing a replica of the Brazilian forward’s No. 20 shirt were hung from
a bridge ahead of a Copa del Rey match against Atlético Madrid.
According to the ruling, one of the defendants was sentenced
to 15 months in prison for a hate crime and an additional seven months for
making threats, having posted images of the act online. The other three
received seven-month sentences for hate crimes and another seven months for
threats.
None of the convicted individuals will serve time in prison,
as their sentences were suspended after they signed a formal letter of apology
addressed to Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the Spanish Football
Federation (RFEF).
The individual who shared the video online was additionally
barred from working in education, sports, or recreational youth environments
for four years and three months. The other three received similar bans lasting
three years and seven months.
Fines were also imposed: €1,084 (approx. $1,250) for the main
defendant and €720 (approx. $834) for each of the others. All four were issued
restraining orders requiring them to stay at least 1,000 meters away from
Vinícius, his residence, and workplace. They are also prohibited from entering
football stadiums during LaLiga and RFEF matches.
To maintain their suspended sentence status, the defendants
must complete an educational program focused on equality and
anti-discrimination.
There has been no immediate response from the court or from
Vinícius Jr. regarding the ruling.
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