Racially abusive Spanish soccer supporters who made fun of Real Madrid's Vinícius Junior sentenced.

After admitting to racially disparaging Real Madrid striker Vinícius Júnior, three Valencia supporters received eight-month prison sentences. This is the first instance of racism-related conviction in Spanish professional soccer history.

The supporters, whose identities were kept a secret, will be required to pay for the legal actions and will not be permitted to reenter soccer stadiums for two years.

In May 2023, following a Spanish league match between Real Madrid and Valencia at Mestalla Stadium, they were taken into custody. After Vinícius was insulted, the match was suspended for a little while.

That incident caused significant calls for action by Spanish authorities and society at large, as well as an outpouring of solidarity for Vinícius, a Black man.

Though Vinícius continued to face racist taunts months after the initial controversy surrounding the event at Mestalla, many considered it as a turning point in the fight against racism in Spanish soccer.

Given the aggravating factor of discrimination motivated by racism, the defendants were found guilty of a crime against moral integrity and received the appropriate sentence.

Sitting behind one of the goals at Mestalla, the fans made monkey noises and motions toward Vinícius, who pointed to the fans in the grandstand and instantly called the referee's attention. The Brazil forward was being heckled by supporters all across the stadium, tears welling up in his eyes.

Real Madrid, Vinícius, the Spanish soccer organization, and the Spanish league all entered the case before the courts.

"Real Madrid has acted as the private prosecutor in these proceedings alongside Vinicius Junior, and we will keep working to defend our club's values and to remove any racist behavior from the realm of football and sport," the Spanish team stated.