Four Individuals Receive Suspended Sentences for Hate Crimes Against Vinicius Jr.
In a significant judgment, a court has handed down suspended jail sentences to four individuals found guilty of committing hate crimes against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. The incident, which took place in January 2023, evoked widespread condemnation across the football community and beyond.
The Offense
The quartet was implicated in a disturbing act that involved hanging an inflatable effigy of Vinicius Jr. over a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground. This was reportedly timed just before a high-stakes Copa Del Rey match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Accompanying the effigy was a provocative banner that read, “Madrid hates Real,” a message that fueled existing tensions around the Brazilian player.
Legal Outcomes
After the court found the individuals guilty, three received sentences of 14 months each, while one was given a slightly longer 22-month sentence due to their role in disseminating images of the act online. Despite the seriousness of the crimes, the sentences were suspended after all four men issued a formal letter of apology to Vinicius, as well as to the city of Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish football federation (Rfef).
- Key Sentences:
- Three individuals: 14-month sentences
- One individual: 22-month sentence (for online distribution)
- All sentences suspended upon apology
Restraining Orders Issued
As part of their sentencing, the court enforced a restraining order that prohibits the offenders from coming within one kilometer of Vinicius Jr., his residence, or Real Madrid’s training facilities. Additionally, the group has been barred from attending any matches involving La Liga or the Spanish national team, underlining the serious nature of their actions.
Community Response
This incident has sparked discussions around racism and hate speech within sports, particularly in Spain, where Vinicius Jr. has previously been subjected to discriminatory remarks and actions. The judgment serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that athletes face and the responsibility of society to foster a culture of respect and tolerance.
Further updates may follow as the implications of the court ruling and community response continue to unfold.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.