Real Madrid Confirms Ban and Fine for Minor in Vinicius Junior Racism Case

Vinicius Junior has represented Brazil in 37 matches. Real Madrid has announced that a minor, who subjected the club’s forward Vinicius Junior to racial abuse, has been issued a one-year stadium prohibition and a monetary penalty. This event took place during a La Liga fixture last season, specifically against Rayo Vallecano. The Spanish champions reported that the minor acknowledged his culpability, extended an apology to Vinicius through a written letter, and accepted the sanctions levied by the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office. The financial penalty, the amount of which was not disclosed, was administered by the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport. In an official statement, Real Madrid declared: “The minor who made racist insults towards our player Vinicius Junior… has apologised and expressed his regret for his behaviour in a letter of apology.” The statement continued: “As a result of the out-of-court settlement, he agreed to carry out the socio-educational activities proposed to him by the Juvenile Public Prosecutor’s Office and to refrain from entering stadiums where official competitions are held for a period of one year.” Real Madrid further noted that since June, four instances of racism targeting its players have led to penalties for racist actions, adjudicated in either criminal or juvenile judicial settings. Separately, in October, four individuals were apprehended in Spain on suspicion of orchestrating an online campaign of hatred and racism directed at Vinicius, who earlier this year became emotional during a press conference while discussing the racial abuse he has experienced.