A Madrid court has found four individuals guilty of a hate crime connected to the public display of an effigy resembling Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr., the ruling confirmed on Monday, June 16.
The case dates back to January 2023, when a banner reading “Madrid hates Real” and an inflatable black effigy wearing Vinícius Jr.’s No. 20 jersey were hung from a bridge ahead of a Copa del Rey clash with Atlético Madrid.
One defendant received a 15-month prison sentence for a hate crime and an additional seven months for issuing threats, after sharing images of the act online. The remaining three were each sentenced to seven months for hate crimes and seven months for threats.
However, none of the four will serve time behind bars. Their sentences were suspended after they signed a formal letter of apology addressed to Vinícius Jr., Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
The main defendant who uploaded the footage was also banned from working in education, sports, or youth-related environments for four years and three months. The other three received bans lasting three years and seven months.
All four were fined—€1,084 (around $1,250) for the main offender and €720 (around $834) each for the others. Additionally, restraining orders were issued, requiring them to stay at least 1,000 meters away from Vinícius, his home, and his workplace. They are also barred from attending LaLiga and RFEF football matches.
To retain the suspended status of their sentences, all defendants are required to complete an educational course on equality and anti-discrimination.
Neither the court nor Vinícius Jr. has issued a public response to the ruling.
