Racism in Soccer: Spanish Court Hands Down Suspended Sentence for Abuser of Black Players

A Spanish court has delivered a verdict in a case involving racism in soccer, handing a one-year suspended sentence to a fan who was found guilty of racially abusing Vinícius Júnior and Samuel Chukwueze. The incidents occurred during two games at Mallorca’s stadium in early 2023, when the defendant insulted the Black players from the stands.

The court in Mallorca also ruled that the abuser is banned from attending any games organized by the Spanish league or Spanish Football Federation for three years. The one-year prison sentence was suspended after the defendant showed remorse, apologized to Vinícius in a letter, and completed an anti-discrimination program, according to Real Madrid.

Vinícius, a Brazil forward, has been subjected to multiple acts of racial abuse in and outside soccer stadiums in Spain. He recently spoke out against the issue, saying that Spain should not be allowed to host the 2030 World Cup if things don’t change. In June, three Valencia supporters were given eight-month prison sentences for racist chants against Vinícius in the first conviction for racism-related cases in professional soccer in Spain.

This verdict is a step towards combating racism in soccer, but it is just one step in a larger struggle to eradicate the problem. It is crucial that the sport’s governing bodies take strong action to address the issue and ensure that players and fans are treated with respect and dignity.