Court rules against racist offenders in Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior case

Vinícius Júnior

In a landmark decision, the Court of Instruction No. 10 in Valencia delivered a guilty verdict today against three young men accused of racially insulting Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during a match at Mestalla Stadium on May 21, 2023. This ruling, the first of its kind from a criminal court, marks a significant step in the fight against racism in football.

The defendants were found guilty of violating the moral integrity and rights of Vinicius Junior, with the court acknowledging the factor of racist motives. Each has been sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment and is banned from attending football stadiums for two years.

“Real Madrid CF wishes to announce that the Court of Instruction No. 10 in Valencia has today, Monday, June 10, 2024, passed a guilty verdict against the three young men accused of insulting, with shouts and racist gestures, our player Vinicius Junior during the league match held on May 21, 2023, at the Mestalla Stadium between Valencia CF and Real Madrid CF,” stated the club on their website at realmadrid.com.

The incident occurred during a heated La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid CF, where Vinicius Junior was subjected to racist shouts and gestures from a section of the crowd. The match, already tense due to its competitive stakes, was marred by these actions, leading to widespread condemnation from the football community and beyond.

Real Madrid CF, standing firmly with their player, took on the role of private prosecutor in the proceedings. The club’s unwavering support for Vinicius Junior has been pivotal in bringing this case to justice, reinforcing their commitment to eradicating racism from the sport.

The three defendants acknowledged their criminal liability and have released an apology letter addressed to Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid CF, and everyone else who felt offended and degraded by their behaviour. The apology letter, cited by the club, read, “As well as showing their remorse, the three defendants asked in their letters to fans that all forms of racism and intolerance be eradicated in competitions.”

This case sets a critical precedent, demonstrating that racist behaviour in football will not go unpunished. Real Madrid CF has emphasized its dedication to upholding the values of respect and equality, vowing to continue its efforts against racism in football. “Together with Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid has acted as the private prosecutor in these proceedings and shall continue to work to protect the values of our club and to eradicate any racist behaviour from the world of football and sport,” the statement added.

As Vinicius Junior and the football community celebrate this victory, it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against racism in sports and society. The court’s decision today is not just a win for Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid but a significant stride towards a more inclusive and respectful sporting environment.

It should also be recalled that Real Madrid won their 15th UEFA Champions League on June 1, 2024.

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