In January 2023, a disturbing effigy of Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior was found hanging from a bridge near the club’s training facility in Valdebebas. The figure wore a Real Madrid jersey bearing Vinícius’s name and number, and was suspended alongside a banner reading “Madrid odia al Real” (“Madrid hates Real”) – a slogan long linked to Atlético Madrid’s radical fan base.
The timing and symbolism were unmistakable. Hours before a Copa del Rey clash between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, this hateful act was widely condemned across the footballing world as both racist and threatening. Authorities immediately launched an investigation, treating the case as a potential hate crime – a significant departure from past responses to racism in Spanish football.
Spain Court Ruling
Over a year after the effigy incident, a Spanish court has ruled that the act constituted both a hate crime and a criminal threat. The four men involved -identified as radical Atlético Madrid supporters – pleaded guilty under a plea agreement, receiving suspended prison sentences.
- The lead offender was sentenced to 22 months (14 for hate crime, 8 for threats).
- The other three each received 14-month sentences.
While they avoided actual jail time due to being first-time offenders and receiving sentences under two years, the court imposed several strict penalties aimed at long-term deterrence and accountability.
Non-Custodial Penalties and Restrictions
The ruling imposed wide-ranging consequences beyond imprisonment. All four individuals must:
- Submit written apologies to Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish Football Federation.
- Avoid all football stadiums and maintain distance from Vinícius Júnior for four years.
- Complete an anti-discrimination education program.
- Pay over €6,000 in collective compensation along with individual fines between €720 and €1,084.
- The main defendant was also barred from working with minors or in sports professions for more than four years.
They will also remain under court supervision for a probationary period of three to four years, during which any violation could result in prison time.
Broader Legal and Cultural Impact
This ruling follows another landmark case involving five Valladolid fans who received suspended sentences in May 2025 for directing racist chants at Vinícius during a 2022 La Liga match. Both cases are now seen as legal turning points in Spain’s handling of racism in football.
For years, racist incidents at stadiums across Spain – including repeated abuse directed at Vinícius – were dismissed or met with little to no legal response. But with mounting international pressure and growing domestic awareness, Spanish courts are now taking firm action. La Liga, Real Madrid, and Spanish prosecutors jointly pursued legal avenues in these cases, signaling a unified stance against racism in sport.
Vinícius Júnior Is More Than Just a Football Star
Since his arrival in Spain in 2018, Vinícius Júnior has faced repeated abuse on and off the pitch. From monkey chants to online threats, the Brazilian winger has unfortunately become one of the most frequent targets of racial abuse in modern football. Yet, he has also emerged as a powerful voice for justice, refusing to remain silent and calling out racist behavior at every level – from fans to institutions.
His advocacy has spurred national and international dialogue, policy changes in Brazil, and now, legal reforms in Spain. The court’s ruling in this case not only vindicates Vinícius’s outspokenness but also reinforces the legitimacy of footballers demanding protection and respect.
This case sends a powerful message: racism, even in symbolic or so-called “fan banter” form, will not be tolerated. The sentencing of the four Atlético fans sets a clear precedent. The era of impunity for racially motivated abuse in Spanish football is fading, and those who cross the line will face legal consequences.
As Spain continues to confront racism within its football culture, this ruling marks a crucial step forward. It affirms that the game belongs to everyone – and that hatred, no matter how it manifests, has no place in football.
Ritik Chauhan is the editor and lead writer covering breaking news, analysis and updates from the world of football, WWE and UFC. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for sports journalism, he focuses on delivering timely, credible and engaging content that informs and entertains readers.
