Four people given suspended sentences for Vinícius Júnior hate crime

A Madrid court has issued suspended jail sentences to four individuals found guilty of committing a hate crime against Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior. The case stemmed from an incident in January 2023, where the defendants were involved in displaying a banner that read 'Madrid hates Real' and hanging an inflatable black effigy resembling Júnior in a replica of his No. 20 shirt on a bridge prior to a Copa del Rey match between Real Madrid and Atlético. One of the defendants received a 15-month sentence for the hate crime and an additional seven months for making threats, particularly due to his actions of distributing images of the incident online. The other three defendants were each sentenced to seven months for their involvement in the hate crime and an additional seven months for making threats as well.

Despite the sentences, none of the defendants will serve prison time, as they all signed a letter of apology addressed to Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish football federation. The individual who shared the video online was also disqualified from working in education, sports, or youth recreational settings for over four years. In addition to fines, which amounted to €1,084 for the first defendant and €720 for the others, they received specific restrictions, including a 1,000-meter restraining order from Júnior's residence and workplace, as well as a prohibition on approaching any football stadiums during La Liga or Spanish federation matches. To have their prison sentences suspended, the defendants are required to participate in an educational program focusing on equal treatment and non-discrimination. As of now, there has been no immediate response from the court or Vinícius Júnior regarding the verdict.