Vinícius Júnior has reacted after three Valencian football fans were sentenced to prison for hate crimes over racist abuse towards the Real Madrid striker during a La Liga match, advertising himself as ‘a tormentor of racists’.
Three fans were found guilty of racist behavior against Vinicius during a May 2023 match between Spanish rivals Real Madrid and Valencia. They were sentenced to eight months in prison. The Valencia court handed down the verdict on Monday, together with a statement.
“Today’s ruling, which is final, finds as proven that the three defendants insulted Vinicius with shouts, gestures and chants referring to the color of his skin,” the statement read.
“These shouts and gestures of a racist nature, which included repeating the sounds and imitating the movements of monkeys, caused the footballer feelings of frustration, shame and humiliation, thereby undermining his intrinsic dignity .”
It is the first conviction for Spanish football fans accused of racist behavior towards players.
The convicts, whose names were not revealed, pleaded guilty to their charges. According to Reuters, they are first-time offenders and are likely to avoid actually serving their sentences. In the Spanish legal system, it is common for first-time offenders sentenced to less than two years in prison for non-violent crimes to have their sentences suspended.
They are not allowed to enter football stadiums for two years and have been ordered to pay the costs of the legal proceedings.
Vinícius was pleased with the conviction and responded with a statement on social media.
Many people who are ignorant about the fact that many people have gone through an era and they have become “jogar futebol”.
But if this is not the case, there is no racism. It’s always racist. The first time Spain’s criminal history is reviewed is not by me. And for… https://t.co/NdezpJBjF2
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) June 10, 2024
“Many asked me to ignore it, many others said that my fight was in vain and that I just had to ‘play football’,” Vinícius wrote via translation. “But as I have 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 is for all black people. May other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise I will be here to collect. Thanks to La Liga and Real Madrid for helping with this historic conviction. More to come…’
The incident took place during the 2023 match between the La Liga rivals, hosted by Valencia. The match, which Valencia won 1-0, was briefly abandoned during the second half due to the racist abuse against Vinícius, an international star from Brazil who is regularly targeted by racist fans in La Liga. A voice over the loudspeaker stated during the interruption: “Racist behavior by certain audience members would not be tolerated.”
Vinícius vowed to “stand against the racists until the end” on social media after the incident.
“It was not the first time, not the second and not the third,” Vinícius wrote. “Racism is normal in La Liga.” … I am strong and will go against the racists to the end. Even though it is far from here.”
La Liga vowed to investigate the incident which ultimately led to the criminal charges against the abusers. LaLiga president Javier Tebas made a statement on Monday.
“This ruling is great news for the fight against racism in Spain, because it repairs the damage done by Vinícius Jr. has suffered and sends a clear message to the people who go to a football stadium to offend that La Liga will identify them, report them and there will be criminal consequences for them,” the statement reads.
Real Madrid also released a statement:
“Real Madrid, which has brought a private prosecution in these proceedings together with Vinícius Junior, will continue to work to protect the values of our club and eradicate racist behavior in the world of football and sports.”
