Five Real Valladolid supporters who racially abused Vinicius Jr in 2022 have had their one-year prison sentences for a hate crime upheld by the Provincial Court of Valladolid. Although the sentences have been ratified, the individuals will not serve time behind bars.
The ruling, confirmed on Wednesday, relates to a La Liga match between Real Valladolid and Real Madrid at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium on 30 December 2022. During the 88th minute of the fixture, as Vinicius Jr was being substituted and walking towards the visitors’ bench, the five fans directed racist insults at him from the stands.
The court noted that the abuse was “clearly intended to humiliate and undermine the player’s dignity on account of his race”. The offensive remarks were captured in videos recorded by other spectators and later shared widely on social media platforms.
All five defendants accepted the charges following a plea agreement between the prosecution and the defence. As part of the resolution, they have admitted the racist nature of their comments and issued written apologies. Vinicius Jr, meanwhile, has waived any right to compensation.
The hate speech sparked significant national and international outrage and led to administrative disciplinary proceedings, which are currently suspended, by Spain’s State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport.
As well as the one-year suspended custodial sentences, four of the individuals have been fined €1,620 each (equivalent to €6 per day over nine months), while the fifth has been ordered to pay €1,080 (€4 per day over the same period).
Additionally, the court has imposed special disqualifications from any professional or voluntary activity in educational, sporting, or leisure settings for a period exceeding three years beyond the length of the prison sentence.
The verdict will be formally communicated to the State Commission about the ongoing administrative proceedings. The prison terms have been suspended for three years at the request of both parties.
During this period, the convicted individuals must refrain from committing any further offences, remain available to the court, and report any change of address. They are also barred from attending football matches in public stadiums throughout the suspension.