Vinicius Junior responded after three Valencia fans were sentenced to prison for hate crimes for racist abuse hurled at the Real Madrid striker during a La Liga game, presenting himself as “a tormentor of racists”.
Three fans were found guilty of racist behavior against Vinicius during a May 2023 game between Spanish rivals Real Madrid and Valencia. They were sentenced to eight months in prison. The Valencia Magistrates Court handed down the sentence on Monday, along with a statement.
“The decision handed down today, which has become final, establishes as proven that the three defendants insulted Vinicius with shouts, gestures and chants referring to the color of his skin”, reads the statement.
“These screams and gestures of a racist nature, which consist, among other things, of repeating sounds and imitating monkey movements, caused the football player feelings of frustration, shame and humiliation, with the consequent weakening of his intrinsic dignity.”
The conviction is the first of Spanish football fans accused of racist behavior towards players.
The convicts, whose names were not revealed, pleaded guilty to the charges. By Reuters, they are first-time offenders and will likely avoid serving their sentences. It is customary in the Spanish legal system for first-time offenders sentenced to less than two years in prison for non-violent crimes to have their sentences suspended.
They are banned from entering football stadiums for two years and have been ordered to pay the costs of the legal proceedings.
Vinicius was pleased with the conviction and responded with a statement on social media.
As Manyam asked me to ignore it, many others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just “play football”.
But, as I’ve always said, I’m not a victim of racism. I’m something racist. This first criminal publication in the history of Spain is not my fault. It’s because… https://t.co/NdezpJBjF2
– Vini Jr. June 10, 2024
“Many asked me to ignore it, many others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just ‘play football’”, wrote Vinicius, via translation. “But, as I have always said, I am not a victim of racism. I am a tormentor of racists.
“This first criminal conviction in the history of Spain is not for me. It is for all black people. Let other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I will be here to demand it. Thank you to La Liga and Real Madrid for help in this historic conviction. More to come…”
The incident occurred during the 2023 game between the La Liga rivals, hosted by Valencia. The game, which Valencia won 1-0, was briefly halted in the second half because of racist abuse against Vinicius, an international star from Brazil. who is often targeted by racist fans. A voice on the public address speaker declared during the strike: “Racist behavior from certain spectators would not be tolerated.”
Vinicius promised on social media after the incident to “go to the end against the racists”.
“It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third,” wrote Vinicius. “Racism is normal in La Liga. … I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if it’s far from here.”
La Liga has promised to investigate the incident that led to criminal charges against the abusers. La Liga president Javier Tebas issued a statement on Monday.
“This decision is great news for the fight against racism in Spain, as it repairs the damage suffered by Vinicius Jr. and sends a clear message to people who go to a football stadium to insult that La Liga will identify them, report them and there will be criminal consequences for them,” the statement said.
Real Madrid also released a statement:
“Real Madrid, which joined the private prosecution with Vinicius Junior in this procedure, will continue to work to protect the values of our club and eradicate any racist behavior in the world of football and sport.”
