Real Madrid Official Statement

June 16th – Real Madrid has issued an official statement regarding the sentencing of four extremist fans by the 23rd Chamber of the Provincial Court of Madrid.

The four individuals were found guilty for hanging a black inflatable doll wearing a Vinícius Jr. jersey from a bridge near Real Madrid City in the early hours of January 25-26, 2023—just hours before the Copa del Rey quarterfinal match between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid—mimicking a lynching of the player.

The defendants also displayed a large banner expressing hatred toward Real Madrid, and one of them further disseminated his actions on social media.

Having admitted to their crimes, the perpetrators expressed remorse and issued public apologies. All were convicted of hate crimes, with one also found guilty of making threats against Vinícius Jr.

The court sentenced one defendant to one year and ten months in prison, while the other three received one year and two months. Additionally, they were fined, banned from working in education or sports-related professions for three years, and prohibited from approaching within 1,000 meters of Vinícius Jr. or contacting him in any way for four years.

During this period, they are also barred from entering or approaching any football stadium hosting sporting events and must complete a training program on equality and non-discrimination.

This ruling follows multiple recent cases of racist abuse against Real Madrid players at stadiums such as Zorrilla (Valladolid), Mestalla (Valencia), Son Moix (Palma de Mallorca), and Vallecas (Madrid), including incidents on online forums.

To date, 14 individuals have been criminally convicted for racist attacks targeting Real Madrid players.
The club, acting as a private prosecutor in this case and several ongoing legal proceedings, remains committed to defending its values and eradicating racism in football and sports.