A Spanish court has issued a one-year suspended sentence to a soccer fan for racially abusing Vinícius Júnior and Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, as reported by Real Madrid on Thursday. The racial abuse incidents took place at Mallorca’s stadium during two games in early 2023, where the accused directed insults at the Black players from the stands.

Real Madrid stated that the court in Mallorca also imposed a three-year ban on the abuser from attending any matches organized by the Spanish league or Spanish Football Federation. The one-year prison sentence was suspended following the defendant’s demonstration of remorse, an apology letter to Vinícius, and successful completion of an anti-discrimination program.

The press office for the courts of the Balearic Islands was not able to provide the court’s official decision when contacted by The Associated Press. Vinícius, a Brazilian forward, has unfortunately faced several incidents of racial abuse both on and off the field in Spain, prompting him to express concerns about Spain’s suitability to host the 2030 World Cup if necessary changes are not made.

Moreover, in a separate case in June, three Valencia fans were each handed eight-month prison sentences for engaging in racist chants targeting Vinícius, marking the first conviction related to racism in professional soccer in Spain. This incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of racism in the sport and the efforts being made to address and prevent such behavior.

It is crucial for football authorities and society as a whole to continue working towards promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination in sports venues and beyond. These recent legal actions emphasize the importance of taking a strong stance against racism in all its forms within the realm of soccer.