Vinicius has become victim of repeated racist abuse recently (Getty Images)
The Spanish prosecutor asked on Tuesday for 4 years in prison for 4 fans in a hate crime case that was opened after hanging a black doll dressed as Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior on a bridge last January.
A banner reading "Madrid hates Real" appeared alongside a black (inflatable) doll wearing a replica of Vinicius' number 20 shirt hanging on a bridge near the club's training ground ahead of a match against Atletico Madrid on January 26.
🚨 The Prosecution has asked for 4 years in prison for the Atlético ultras who hung a Vinicius doll from a bridge. ⚖️ @tjcope pic.twitter.com/dtZz6IHqwd
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) December 5, 2023
The Spanish prosecutor said in a statement that he had charged 4 members of the pro-Atletico Atletico Madrid association with making threats to Vinicius, as well as violating fundamental rights.
Vinicius Jr will lead a special FIFA anti-racism committee made up of players, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The committee will suggest stricter punishments for discriminatory behavior in football. pic.twitter.com/LxF69OuTbx
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) June 15, 2023
He added that the four showed "unequivocal signs of contempt for the victim's skin colour and an attempt to undermine his safety and mental health".
The prosecutor also requested joint compensation of 6,<> euros in civil liability for moral damage suffered by the footballer.
After a racial abuse incident involving Vinicius Jr. on Sunday, Spanish police have confirmed that they have arrested four people as uproar over racism in Spain continues. More on the situation below... #TodosConVini #LaLiga https://t.co/q6BnKDSxeU pic.twitter.com/TpQAH79FN1
— Maher 🇵🇸 (@pabloikonyero) May 24, 2023
The four men were released on bail after refusing to testify when they were arrested in May, but were prevented from approaching or communicating with Vinicius and were denied access to Real Madrid's stadium, training ground and Atletico.
In October, Vinicius testified as a witness in a judicial investigation into three fans for allegedly making racist gestures towards the player during the match in Valencia. He was also summoned to testify in a similar case involving insults at the Mallorca stadium in February.
Spanish police detained four men on Tuesday in connection with an incident in which an effigy representing Brazilian soccer star Vinicius Jr was hung from a bridge in January, a day after a senior official said Spanish football had a racism problem. https://t.co/TrFk0yZ9Nk
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 23, 2023
The Brazil international said in October on social media: "I hope the Spanish authorities will do their part and change the legislation once for everyone. These persons must be criminally punished. This will be a huge step in preparing for the 2030 World Cup."
"Sorry for the repetition, but this is the 19th single episode, and the count continues," he concluded.
In May, Real filed a lawsuit for racist abuse of their young player after he was subjected to racist chants during the Valencia and "Royal" match on May 23.
That match was interrupted for 10 minutes when the Brazilian striker pointed to the shouts of the fans directed at him, and then got into a brawl with some of the Valencia players, which led to his expulsion in the second half.
But the Spanish Football Federation returned and canceled the expulsion of the Brazilian international and fined Valencia 45,5 euros, and closed the Mario Kempes South Stadium at the stadium "Mestalla" <> matches.
The sports world has shown solidarity with the 23-year-old since then, and has called on the Brazilian government to impose severe penalties on those responsible for racist insults.
Source: Spanish Press