Three Valencia fans have been sentenced to eight months in prison, marking the first conviction for racism at a Spanish football match stemming directly from a complaint filed by La Liga.
The fans were found guilty of hurling racist chants towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during a La Liga match at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium in May 2023. The court ruled the act constituted a “crime against moral integrity” with “aggravating circumstance of discrimination based on racist motives.”
Initially facing a year in prison, the sentence was reduced to eight months after a plea deal during the investigation stage. Additionally, the fans were barred from attending any La Liga or Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) matches for three years, later reduced to two.
Vinicius Jr, along with La Liga, Real Madrid, and the RFEF, all played a role in bringing the case to court. The defendants expressed remorse through a letter of apology during the hearing.
La Liga president Javier Tebas hailed the verdict as a positive step against racism in Spanish football. “This ruling sends a clear message to those who abuse players at stadiums,” he stated. “La Liga will identify and report such individuals, and they will face legal consequences.”
Tebas acknowledged the lengthy legal process but emphasized that the conviction demonstrates Spain’s commitment to judicial fairness. He went on to urge for legislative changes that would empower La Liga to impose swifter sanctions for racist behavior within the sport.
Real Madrid also issued a statement, vowing to “continue working to protect our club’s values and eradicate any racist behavior” in football and sports as a whole.
