Three men who racially abused Vinícius Júnior during the match between Valencia and Real Madrid last May have been sentenced to eight months in prison. It is the first time in Spain that 'football supporters' have been given a prison sentence for racism. However, for the time being they do not actually have to go to jail.

In Spain, convicts who receive a sentence of less than two years for a non-violent crime do not have to serve that prison sentence as long as they do not commit any other offenses.

The 'fans' made jungle noises towards Vinícius during Valencia's home match. The Real Madrid striker pointed out the misbehaving men immediately after it happened.

In addition to a prison sentence, the Spanish court also gave the men a national stadium ban for two years. The 'fans' could have been jailed for a year, but they cooperated with the investigation and therefore received a reduced sentence.

“This is great news for the fight against racism in Spain,” LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded to the judge's ruling. “It redresses the injustice done to Vinicius and sends a clear message to the people who go to a football stadium to offend.”

Reaction from Vinicius after the match in Valencia

Vinícius responded to the misconduct of the 'supporters' shortly after the match in Valencia last year. “Every away game there is an unpleasant surprise,” he wrote on Instagram.

“And there were a lot of them this season. Death threats, a hanged doll, racist chants and jungle noises. It's all recorded. 'Incidents', they say. But they are not incidents. It happens all the time and it has spread to several Spanish cities.”

The Real Madrid striker wondered what else is needed to punish the people who treat him racist and to impose sanctions on clubs. “Why don't the sponsors raise this with LaLiga? Why don't the television channels show this barbarity?”

“The problem is getting worse and worse. Now I ask you: how many of these racists have had their names and pictures exposed on websites? I answer to make it easier: zero. Not a single racist has publicly apologized. This is not football, this is inhumane.”

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