Three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for their racial abuse against Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior during a Valencia-Real Madrid game in May 2023, according to ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez.
The three fans also received a two-year stadium ban.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas commented: "This ruling is great news regarding the fight against racism in Spain," adding: "It redresses the wrong suffered by Vinícius Júnior and sends a clear message to those people who go to a football stadium to hurl abuse. LaLiga will identify them, report them and there will be criminal consequences for them."Real Madrid also issued a statement on the verdict.
Real Madrid said: "The three defendants acknowledged their criminal liability and have released an apology letter addressed to our player Vinícius Júnior, to Real Madrid C.F. and to everyone else who felt offended and degraded by their behaviour"
It added: "As well as showing their remorse, the three defendants asked in their letter to fans that all forms of racism and intolerance be eradicated in competitions."
On his side, Vinicius Jr. responded: "As I've always said, I'm 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.
May other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I'll be here to collect. Thank you to La Liga and Real Madrid for helping with this historic conviction. More to come."✊🏿
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