Four Sentenced for Hate Crime Against Vinicius Jr. Over Effigy Incident in Madrid

Four individuals have been handed suspended prison sentences after being convicted of a hate crime for hanging an inflatable effigy of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. from a bridge near the club’s training ground in January 2023.

The act, widely condemned as racist, took place just before Atletico Madrid’s Copa del Rey clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

A banner reading “Madrid hates Real” was hung above the effigy, sparking outrage across the football world.

Sentences and Apologies

• Three of the offenders received 14-month suspended sentences.

• One individual, who shared images of the effigy online, was given a 22-month suspended sentence.

All four men signed formal apologies addressed to Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish Football Federation.

As a result of their cooperation and guilty pleas, their sentences were suspended. However, strict conditions apply:

• A restraining order prohibits them from approaching within 1 kilometer of Vinicius Jr., his home, or Real Madrid's training facilities.

• They are banned from attending any La Liga or Spanish national team matches.

Ongoing Pattern of Racism

This case is just the latest in a troubling pattern. Real Madrid confirmed that 14 individuals have now been convicted for racist actions against its players.

In a statement, the club said:

“This conviction is in addition to several others handed down recently for racist insults aimed at Madrid players in Valladolid, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Madrid.”

The club reiterated its commitment to working with players and authorities to eradicate racism from football.

Vinicius Jr’s Call for Action

Since joining Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinicius Jr. has been a repeated target of racial abuse. Notably:

• In September 2022, Atletico Madrid fans chanted racist slurs during a La Liga derby.

• Later that month, during a match against Real Valladolid, similar abuse resurfaced.

• In December 2022, Vinicius publicly urged La Liga to take stronger action, including banning guilty fans from stadiums.

Five people were previously given suspended sentences for racist chants aimed at the Brazilian forward.

A Turning Point?

This latest conviction marks a possible shift in how Spain is addressing racism in football, with actual legal consequences now following long-standing complaints.

Vinicius, who has made 316 appearances for Real Madrid, continues to be vocal against racism and remains a symbol in the fight for equality in global sport.