Four Individuals Receive Suspended Sentences for Vinícius Jr. Effigy Incident
Four individuals have been handed suspended jail sentences for their involvement in hanging an effigy of Real Madrid player Vinícius Jr. from a bridge in Madrid. This incident, which occurred in January 2023, was denounced as a hate crime.
The sentences, confirmed by a court statement, include a suspended two-year prison term for each of the four men. They are convicted of a crime against moral integrity. Additionally, they have been barred from attending any football stadiums for a period of two years.
According to the court, the effigy, dressed in a Real Madrid jersey with Vinícius Jr.’s name, was hung by the neck from a bridge near Real Madrid’s training ground. This took place before a derby match against Atlético Madrid on January 26, 2023.
The investigation revealed that the four men were active members of a radical fan group of Atlético Madrid. The court considered the act a public display of hatred and racism, intended to humiliate Vinícius Jr. because of his skin color.
This incident is part of a series of racist episodes targeting the Brazilian forward in Spanish football. Vinícius Jr. has been subjected to racial abuse at various matches, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for stricter measures against racism in sports.
La Liga, the top professional football division of Spain, has repeatedly denounced the abuse and pledged to take action against perpetrators. However, incidents persist, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current measures.
The suspended sentences and stadium bans represent a notable, albeit limited, step in addressing the issue of racism within Spanish football. Many are calling for more comprehensive strategies to combat discrimination and protect players like Vinícius Jr. from further abuse.
The convictions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Vinícius Jr. and other players of color in football, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to eradicate racism from the sport.
