A Mallorca fan received a 12-month suspended sentence after using racist insults against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
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Mallorca fan gets punishment for racist abuse
The said heckler hurled racist insults against Vinicius during a game in Son Moix on February 5, 2023
LaLiga, Real Madrid, and even Villarreal filed a lawsuit against the supporter.
The Mallorca fan also targeted former Villareal winger Samuel Chukwueze.
Chukwueze, a Nigerian, now plays for AC Milan.
Spanish court sentenced the defendant to a total of 12 months in prison, and banned him from football stadiums in Spain for three years.
He was guilty of two offenses of infringing on moral integrity, aggravated by racist motives.
“The suspension of the prison sentence has been made after the defendant apologised and showed his remorse, with a letter addressed to VinÃcius Júnior, having completed an equality and anti-discrimination program,” Real Madrid statement said in a statement. “This is the third criminal conviction in recent months for racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid players.
“Real Madrid, who have been involved in the trials alongside their players as private prosecution, will continue working to uphold the values of our club and eradicate any racist conduct from the world of football or sport.”
LaLiga president addresses racism issue
LaLiga president Javier Tebas said he supported jail sentences for those convicted of racist abuse.
Vinicius has took the responsibility of fighting against racism.
The Brazil international has faced racial abuse on numerous occasions in LaLiga.
“This sentence is one of many that may come since we have some pending at the judicial level,” he said. “We are going to pursue them until the end. Those who shout or sing racist insults must be put in jail, we will accomplish that.”
“The league and the clubs have worked together to obtain this conviction. We are present in all the matches and we check very carefully with the game authorities and people in charge of integrity issues.
He added: “We have special cameras in the areas where we considered there is more risk for a racist chant or insult.”
“We also must highlight the collaboration from the fans who help us identified those who shout racist remarks. It is one of the situations that has made the Vinicius case different. Before people did not point out; now they are doing it while saying that these people don’t belong in football.”
