A Mallorca fan has been sentenced to one year in prison and banned from stadiums for three years for racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and former Villarreal player Samuel Chukwueze.
This verdict marks the third criminal conviction in recent months for racist insults targeted at Real Madrid players, particularly Vinicius.
The abuse directed at Vinicius occurred during Madrid’s 1-0 La Liga defeat to Mallorca in February 2023. The fan also insulted Chukwueze, now at AC Milan, two weeks later.
The supporter was “found guilty of two crimes against moral integrity, aggravated by the fact that he acted with racist motives,” Real Madrid stated. The prison sentence was suspended due to the defendant’s apology, remorse, and completion of an equality and anti-discrimination program.
These incidents have sparked international outrage and ignited debate in Spain, where racism in football stadiums persists. Vinicius recently called for Spain to be stripped of its 2030 World Cup hosting rights unless progress is made in tackling racism.
Another Mallorca supporter, a minor, was banned from stadiums for one year for racially abusing midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The minor apologized, showed remorse, and agreed to complete socio-educational activities.
Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid in a derby clash at the Metropolitano stadium on Sunday, where Vinicius has previously faced racial abuse.
This landmark ruling sends a strong message against racial abuse in football, but the fight against racism continues.
