A Spanish court has handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence to a Mallorca fan who racially abused Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, reports BrainBurst. The fan, who remains anonymous, directed racial insults at Vinicius during a La Liga match between Los Blancos and Mallorca at the Son Moix Stadium on February 5, 2023.
The same individual also subjected Chukwueze to similar abuse at the Mallorca stadium two weeks later, while the Nigerian was still playing for Villarreal.
The fan was found guilty of two offences of infringing on moral integrity, aggravated by having racist motives, according to a statement released by Real Madrid on Thursday.
Comunicado Oficial.#RealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 26, 2024
Along with the suspended prison sentence, the defendant has also been handed a three-year stadium ban, which applies to all La Liga competitions as well as matches organised by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Real Madrid’s statement also highlighted that the defendant’s suspended sentence was only made possible after he apologised to Vinicius through a letter addressed to the Brazilian, and he was also made to complete an equality and anti-discrimination program.
This marks the third criminal conviction regarding racist abuse directed at Real Madrid players.
A minor who racially insulted France international Aurelien Tchouameni at the same Son Moix Stadium during a match involving Mallorca and Real Madrid on April 13, 2024, has also been handed a punishment.
The club has shown solidarity and vowed to continue standing by its players, stating: “Real Madrid, who have been involved in the trials alongside their players as private prosecution, will continue working to uphold the values of our club and eradicate any racist conduct from the world of football or sport.”
What do you think about this punishment? Do you think it’s a step in the right direction in combating racism in football? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Discover more from BrainBurst
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
