Madrid Court Suspends Jail Sentences for Vinicius Jr Effigy Hate Crime

Four members of Frente Atletico, a radical group of Atletico Madrid fans, have been handed suspended jail sentences by a Madrid court for a hate crime involving the hanging of an effigy of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr from a bridge before a Copa del Rey match in January 2023. The effigy was displayed alongside a banner reading "Madrid hates Real," and one defendant who posted a video of the act online received a 15-month sentence for hate crimes plus seven months for making threats, while the other three received seven months each for similar charges. All four signed a letter of apology to Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, LaLiga, and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), leading to their sentences being suspended, provided they complete an educational program on equality and non-discrimination. Additional penalties include fines, restraining orders preventing them from approaching Vinicius Jr’s home, workplace, or football stadiums during matches, and bans from working with youth and sports for several years. These measures aim to address the severity of the hate crime and prevent future offenses, with no immediate reaction from Vinicius Jr reported. The case highlights ongoing efforts in Spanish football to combat racism and protect players from targeted abuse.