Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. responds after his racist attackers were sentenced to prison: 'I am an executioner of racists'

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 3 minutes read

Vinicius Junior said: “Let other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. (Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Vinicius Junior has reacted after three Valencia football fans were sentenced to prison for hate crimes following racist insults made against the Real Madrid striker during a La Liga match, describing himself as “an executioner of racist.”

Three fans were found guilty of racist behavior targeting Vinicius during a May 2023 match between Spanish rivals Real Madrid and Valencia. They were sentenced to eight months in prison. The Valencia Court of First Instance pronounced the sentence on Monday, accompanied by a press release.

“The judgment rendered today, which is final, establishes as proven that the three accused insulted Vinicius with cries, gestures and songs referring to the color of his skin,” the statement said.

“These cries and gestures of a racist nature, consisting among other things of the repetition of sounds and the imitation of monkey movements, provoked in the footballer feelings of frustration, shame and humiliation, with the consequence of an attack on his intrinsic dignity.”

This conviction is the first for Spanish football fans accused of racist behavior towards players.

The convicts, whose names have not been released, pleaded guilty to the charges against them. According to Reuters, they are first-time offenders and will likely avoid serving their sentences. It is customary in the Spanish justice system for first-time offenders sentenced to less than two years in prison for non-violent offenses to have their sentences suspended.

They were banned from football stadiums for two years and ordered to pay court costs.

Vinicius was pleased with this sentence and responded with a statement on social media.

Many have said that they are ignorant, others say that they are still in the dark and that they have become “jogar futebol”.

But, as always, there is no such thing as racism. You are a racist. This first criminal conviction in the history of Spain is not for me. É por… https://t.co/NdezpJBjF2

– Vini Jr. (@vinijr) June 10, 2024

“Many asked me to ignore it, many others said my fight was in vain and that I should just 'play football',” Vinicius wrote, via translation. “But as I have always said, I am not a victim of racism. I am an executioner of racists.

“This first criminal conviction in the history of Spain is not for me. It is for all black people. Let other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I will be here to recover. Thanks to La Liga and Real Madrid for contributing to this historic conviction.

The incident took place during the 2023 match between the La Liga rivals hosted by Valencia. The match, which Valencia won 1-0, was briefly interrupted in the second half due to racist insults aimed at Vinicius, a Brazilian international star frequently targeted by racist fans. A voice over the loudspeaker said during the stoppage: “Racist behavior by some spectators would not be tolerated.”

Vinicius promised on social media after the incident to “go all the way against the racists”.

“It was not the first time, nor the second nor the third,” Vinicius wrote. “Racism is normal in La Liga. … I am strong and I will go to the end against the racists. Even if it is far from here.

La Liga vowed to investigate the incident which ultimately led to the criminal charges against the attackers. La Liga president Javier Tebas released a statement on Monday.

“This decision is excellent news for the fight against racism in Spain, as it repairs the damage suffered by Vinicius Jr. and sends a clear message to those who go to a football stadium to insult them: La Liga will identify them, will denounce them and there will be criminal consequences for them,” the statement said.

Real Madrid also released a statement:

“Real Madrid, which has initiated private proceedings with Vinicius Junior in this proceeding, will continue to work to protect the values of our club and eradicate any racist behavior in the world of football and sport.”

Lina Portman

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