A fan who racially abused Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze in two La Liga games last year has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended. Real Madrid confirmed the sentence on Thursday, also saying the offender – unnamed – had written an apology letter to Vinicius and undertaken anti-discrimination training.
The incidents occurred at Son Moix stadium, the home of Mallorca, where the fan racially abused Vinicius during a match involving Mallorca and Real Madrid, calling him a monkey. Two weeks later, he repeated the abuse against Chukwueze.
In addition to the jail time that was suspended, it was ruled that the perpetrator would be banned from attending stadiums for three years.
“This is the third criminal conviction in recent months for racist insults against Real Madrid players”, said the club, in a statement released after court that once again expressed their firm commitment to rid football of racism.
The abuse against Vinicius-who has been vocal on racism in Spanish football-is part of the wider problem. Real Madrid also underlined that a minor who insulted midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in April apologized similarly and has been subject to sanctions, including a one-year ban from the stadium and some educational activities.
