Five people have been handed suspended prison sentences for racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr in what La Liga has called an "unprecedented" ruling in Spain.
The decision marks the first time racist insults in a Spanish football stadium have been condemned as a hate crime, representing a significant milestone in the country's fight against racism in sport.
Spain's top division announced the landmark ruling on Wednesday, highlighting its importance in addressing racial abuse in football.
The case stems from an incident during a match against Real Valladolid in September 2022.
Vinicius Jr was racially abused in September 2022
Reuters
Vinicius, who is 24, appeared to be subjected to racist abuse during the match as he walked past fans after being substituted at the Jose Zorrilla stadium.
The Provincial Court of Valladolid sentenced the five offenders to one-year prison terms, which have been suspended on the condition they do not commit any further offence in the next three years.
The individuals are also banned from attending any football matches during this three-year period. Additionally, the court imposed fines ranging between €1,080 (£913) and €1,620 (£1,369) on the five people involved in the incident.
La Liga credited its own efforts in filing the complaint and acting as the initial private prosecution, later joined by Vinicius, Real Madrid, and the Public Prosecutor's Office, for achieving this "exemplary ruling".
READ MORE: Former Tottenham star banned from driving for FOURTH time
Racial abuse has increased in La Liga over recent seasons
Reuters
"This judicial decision represents an unprecedented milestone in the fight against racism in sport in Spain, where, until now, rulings had addressed conduct against moral integrity with a racial aggravating factor," La Liga said in a statement.
The organisation emphasised the significance of the ruling explicitly referring to hate crimes associated with racist insults, adding that it "reinforces the message that intolerance has no place in football."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The Brazil international has faced racist abuse on multiple occasions during his time playing in Spain.
This latest ruling follows another case in June 2024, when three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for abusing Vinicius during a match in May 2023.
Real Madrid have struggled this season
Reuters
Following that earlier sentencing, Vinicius made a powerful statement about his stance against racism, declaring: "I'm not a victim of racism. I am a tormentor of racists."
The latest ruling represents another step forward in addressing the racial abuse that has repeatedly targeted the Real Madrid forward throughout his career in Spanish football.
