Valencia fans jailed for racist abuse against Vini...

Valencia fans jailed for racist abuse against Vinicius Jr

Zim Now Writer

Three Spanish football fans have been handed eight-month jail sentences after racially abusing Real Madrid and Brazil striker Vinicius Junior.

It is the first ever racism-related conviction in Spanish professional football.

The three men made racist remarks and gestures toward Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr at a La Liga match against Valencia CF at the Mestalla Stadium in May 2023.

The convicted men will also face two-year stadium bans for all Spanish soccer matches and have been ordered to pay court costs associated with the case.

“This is the first conviction of its kind to be handed down in Spain, following a case brought before the courts by LaLiga, which was joined by the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation), Real Madrid and, in recent weeks, the victim himself, Vinícius Jr.,” La Liga said in a statement.

In a post on social media, the Brazilian footballer, Vinícius Jr said: “Many asked me to ignore it, many others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just ‘play football.’ But as I’ve always said I’m not a victim of racism. I am a tormentor of racists. This first criminal conviction in the history of Spain is not for me. It’s for all Black people.

“May other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I’ll be here to get you. Thank you to La Liga and Real Madrid for helping with this historic conviction.”