Mallorca fan sentenced to prison for racial abuse of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 26 Sept 2024 16:12 BST
• 3 min read

A Mallorca supporter who racially abused Vinicius Junior and Samuel Chukwueze has been found guilty by Spanish courts and sentenced to 12 months in prison, as well as a three-year stadium ban.

The man directed racist insults at Vinicius as Mallorca hosted Real Madrid in February 2023, as well as Chukwueze while the forward was playing for Villarreal two weeks later.

Along with 12 months in prison, the accused is not allowed to enter football stadiums governed by the National Professional Football League and the Royal Spanish Football Federation for three years.

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However, the prison sentence could be suspended on the condition that the accused participates in an equal treatment and non-discrimination programme, having shown remorse and apologising to Vini Junior via letter.

Real Madrid also confirmed that a minor who insulted Aurelien Tchouameni due to his race has apologised and expressed regret for his conduct, while agreeing to carry out socio-educational activities proposed by the juvenile jurisdiction.

The separate incident also occurred at the Son Moix stadium as Mallorca hosted Real Madrid in April this year, with the minor also unable to access stadiums for a year and issued a fine.

Vini Jr responds to racial sentencing

The initial supporter sentenced marks the third criminal conviction handed down in recent months for racist insults received by Real Madrid players.

Earlier this year, three fans who racially abused Vinicius Jr during Valencia’s home game against Real in 2023 were each sentenced to eight months in prison, as well as a two-year stadium ban.

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Vinicius has struggled throughout his career with racist abuse from opponents, leading to the Brazil star breaking down into tears at a press conference in March after admitting the insults give him ‘less will to play’.

Posting on Twitter after the Valencia verdict, Vini wrote: "I'm 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's for all black people.

"May other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I'll be here to collect. Thank you to La Liga and Real Madrid for helping with this historic conviction."

Vinicius’ response to the Mallorca supporter’s sentencing was simply to post emojis of praying hands and a handshake, indicating his satisfaction at the outcome.