Prison sentences for hate crime and threats against Vinicius Junior

A prison sentence has been handed down for the racist act committed against Brazilian footballer Vinicius Junior in Madrid. The Madrid Provincial Court announced its verdict today regarding four fans who, on January 26, 2023, ahead of the Copa del Rey quarter-final match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, hung a black doll wearing a Vinicius Junior jersey from a bridge near the Real Madrid training facilities. It was noted that the defendants also displayed a banner reading "Madrid hates Real Madrid" at the scene, and one of them shared the act on social media. 

While the individuals who carried out the act admitted their guilt and expressed remorse in court, each was found guilty of a hate crime. The court sentenced one of the defendants to 1 year and 10 months in prison, while the others received 1 year and 2 months. The court also ruled that the defendants must pay the imposed fines, are prohibited from approaching Vinicius Jr. within 1,000 meters for 4 years, and are forbidden from contacting him in any way.

Furthermore, during this period, they will not be permitted to enter or approach any football stadium during sporting events.

The Whites announced that they will continue to stand by the player in this case and many ongoing cases, and that they will continue to work to protect the club's values and eradicate all forms of racist behavior in the world of sports.

News Source: İHA