Four individuals have been found guilty of a hate crime in connection with an effigy of Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr., a Madrid court ruled on Monday, June 16.

 

 

 

The case stems from a disturbing incident in January 2023, when a banner reading “Madrid hates Real” and an inflatable black effigy wearing a replica of the Brazilian forward’s No. 20 shirt were hung from a bridge ahead of a Copa del Rey match against Atlético Madrid.

 

 

 

 

According to the ruling, one of the defendants was sentenced to 15 months in prison for a hate crime and an additional seven months for making threats, having posted images of the act online. The other three received seven-month sentences for hate crimes and another seven months for threats.

 

 

 

None of the convicted individuals will serve time in prison, as their sentences were suspended after they signed a formal letter of apology addressed to Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

 

 

 

 

The individual who shared the video online was additionally barred from working in education, sports, or recreational youth environments for four years and three months. The other three received similar bans lasting three years and seven months.

 

 

 

Fines were also imposed: €1,084 (approx. $1,250) for the main defendant and €720 (approx. $834) for each of the others. All four were issued restraining orders requiring them to stay at least 1,000 meters away from Vinícius, his residence, and workplace. They are also prohibited from entering football stadiums during LaLiga and RFEF matches.

 

 

 

To maintain their suspended sentence status, the defendants must complete an educational program focused on equality and anti-discrimination.

 

 

 

There has been no immediate response from the court or from Vinícius Jr. regarding the ruling.