Five individuals charged with insulting Vinícius during a football match on December 30, 2022, at Valladolid’s home stadium have each been sentenced to one year in prison for hate crimes and fined €1,620.

According to initial investigations by the prosecutor’s office, the incidents occurred during a match between Real Valladolid and Real Madrid in La Liga. Around the 88th minute, as Vinícius was substituted and walked toward the away team’s bench, the suspects shouted offensive slurs.

The insults, intended to demean and harm the player’s dignity on racial grounds, were recorded by multiple fans in different sections of the stands and later shared on social media.

The remarks sparked widespread national and international backlash, leading to legal proceedings against the accused. However, these cases have been suspended by the State Commission Against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sports.

Vinícius waived his right to compensation for damages suffered due to these events, while the accused acknowledged the racist nature of their actions in a written statement and apologized. As part of an agreement with the prosecution, they pledged not to attend public stadiums to watch football matches during their suspended sentence.

The incidents were classified as five hate and discrimination crimes, with each defendant receiving a one-year prison sentence, a daily fine of €6 for nine months, and a special ban from working in education, coaching, sports, or recreational activities for over three years after completing their sentence.

The ruling is expected to be communicated to the State Commission Against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sports for further administrative action.