The racist taunts were directed against Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. on May 21, 2023, during a La Liga match at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium.
The supporters were judged responsible for a “aggravating circumstance of discrimination based on racist motives” in addition to a “crime against moral integrity.”
A deal struck during the preliminary investigation phase resulted in a third of the original 12-month sentence being lowered.
Additionally, for a three-year term (later shortened), the supporters were prohibited from going into any football stadium where La Liga or Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) matches were played.
Vinicius, a player for Brazil, joined La Liga, Real Madrid, and RFEF in taking the matter to court. During the hearing, the defendants read a letter of apology.
President of La Liga Javier Tebas stated: “This decision is fantastic for the battle against racism in Spain, as it partially atones for the shameful injustice that Vinicius Jr. endured and sends a strong message to those who attend football games to hurl taunts.”
