In a significant milestone in the fight against racism in Spanish football, three Valencia fans have been sentenced to eight months in prison for racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. during a La Liga match in May 2023. This ruling, described as a "landmark decision" by La Liga, marks the first conviction of its kind in Spain for racist abuse at a football match.
The incident occurred during a match between Real Madrid and Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium, where several fans directed racist slurs at Vinicius Jr., causing the game to be momentarily halted. Vinicius, visibly distressed, identified the offenders to his teammates, leading to widespread condemnation worldwide.
The three fans were convicted of a crime against moral integrity, aggravated by racially motivated discrimination, under article 173.1 of Spain's Criminal Code. Their initial sentences of 12 months in prison were reduced to eight months due to their acceptance of criminal responsibility and expressions of remorse. Additionally, they were banned from attending all Spanish soccer matches for two years and required to cover the costs of the court proceedings.
Reaction and Impact
Vinicius Jr. expressed his gratitude for the legal proceedings, stating on social media, "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 am 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.".
La Liga President Javier Tebas hailed the verdict as "excellent news in the fight against racism in Spain," emphasizing that it sends a clear message to those who engage in racist abuse at football stadiums. Tebas also called for increased powers for La Liga to tackle the problem more effectively.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended the Spanish authorities for their decisive action, stating, "We can no longer accept what is happening in stadiums and on the pitch. Our message to people anywhere in the world who still behave in a racist way when they are dealing with football is clear: we don't want you. These people have to be excluded, they are not part of our community and not part of football.".
Continued Incidents and Legal Actions
Despite this landmark ruling, Vinicius Jr. continues to face racial abuse. In a separate incident, a Mallorca fan was handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence and a three-year ban from football stadiums for racially insulting Vinicius Jr. and Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze during league games in February 2023. The defendant apologized and showed remorse, completing an equality and anti-discrimination program, which led to the suspension of his prison sentence.
Another recent case involved a minor who racially insulted Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni during a league game at Mallorca. The minor was banned from football stadiums for one year, required to pay a fine, and agreed to complete socio-educational activities as proposed by prosecutors.
Ongoing Fight Against Racism
Vinicius Jr.'s experiences highlight the persistent issue of racism in Spanish football. In an emotional news conference earlier this year, Vinicius shared the toll of years of racist insults, admitting that the relentless abuse was gradually diminishing his passion for football. He has been subjected to racial abuse on numerous occasions since joining Real Madrid in 2018.
The Spanish league and football authorities continue to advocate for stronger measures to combat racism. La Liga has reported 16 incidents of racist abuse against Vinicius to Spanish prosecutors in the last two seasons, and there are ongoing investigations into other cases, including an incident where an effigy of Vinicius was hung from a bridge in Madrid.
The convictions and subsequent sentences serve as a significant step in the fight against racism, but they also underscore the need for continued vigilance and action to ensure that football stadiums remain free from racist abuse. As Esteban Ibarra, the head of Spain's Movement Against Intolerance, Racism, and Xenophobia, noted, "The message is unequivocal: this is a crime, and perpetrators will be held accountable."
