Real Madrid announced the conviction of a fan who directed racist abuse towards the team’s forward Vinícius Júnior and Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze during two matches in Mallorca last year. The fan was handed a suspended 12-month prison sentence.
The convicted individual, whose name was not disclosed in the club’s statement, received the suspended sentence after issuing an apology to Vinícius and undergoing anti-discrimination rehabilitation. The fan has also been banned from entering stadiums for three years.
Real Madrid stated, “This is the third criminal conviction in recent months for racist abuse directed at Real Madrid players.”
The club added, “Real Madrid will continue to work to protect the club’s values and eradicate any racist behavior in football and sports.”
The racist incidents involving Vinícius and Chukwueze took place at the Son Moix Stadium in Palma, Mallorca, with a two-week gap between the incidents.
In one video, fans could be heard referring to the Brazilian player as a monkey during a match between Mallorca and Real Madrid.
Vinícius has been vocal and outspoken in condemning racism in football matches in Spain.
Additionally, Real Madrid revealed that a boy who racially abused midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni in April of this year has since apologized and expressed remorse. The boy has been banned from stadiums for one year, will participate in educational activities suggested by the prosecutor’s office, and will pay a fine.
