Gifted Markson
In a landmark ruling, a Mallorca fan who racially abused Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, and Villarreal winger Samu Chukwueze in February 2023 has been sentenced to one year in prison.
The fan, whose discriminatory actions took place during two separate matches, has also been handed a three-year ban from attending any football stadium.
This sentencing marks a significant step in the fight against racism in Spanish football, as both players had expressed outrage over the incidents, with Vinicius Jr notably becoming a symbol of the ongoing campaign to rid the sport of such behavior.
The verdict comes at a time when La Liga is under increasing pressure to address racism within stadiums. Many see this as a warning to fans who may engage in similar offenses.
The sentence sends a strong message of zero tolerance for racist behavior and highlights the growing movement for harsher penalties against perpetrators in football.