A football fan in Spain has been handed a combined one-year prison sentence for racially abusing former Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior in two separate La Liga fixtures, Soccernet.ng reports.
The offender directed vile abuse towards Vinicius during Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Mallorca on February 5, 2023.
In that match, the Brazilian winger, favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, was subjected to racial taunts from the stands.
Vinicius, who has consistently spoken out against the discriminatory abuse he faces in Spain, remarked recently, “I feel targeted” by such incidents.
Despite the abuse, Vinicius remains a key figure for Real Madrid, contributing to their recent La Liga and Champions League triumphs.
Two weeks later, the same fan racially abused Samuel Chukwueze, then playing for Villarreal, in Mallorca’s 4-2 victory on February 18.
Chukwueze, who has since moved on from Villarreal, was another target of the offender’s hate, and this conviction highlights the ongoing challenge of racism in Spanish football.
The Spanish court sentenced the individual to two six-month prison terms for each incident and imposed a three-year stadium ban.
Vinicius, alongside Chukwueze, continues to condemn the racial hatred they have both suffered.
The Real Madrid star recently emphasized that Spain should not host the 2030 World Cup unless serious action is taken against racism.
He remains resolute in fighting against discrimination in football.
Chukwueze last year left Spain to join AC Milan and has since made 38 appearances for the San Siro giants, scoring three goals and contributing three assists.