Two Real Sociedad supporters have been fined €4,000 each and banned from attending football matches for one year after being found guilty of directing racist gestures at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during a Copa del Rey match.
Incident caught on camera
The abuse took place during the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals at the Reale Arena, where Vinícius was subjected to boos and insults from sections of the home crowd.
Shortly before half-time, television footage captured two individuals wearing Real Sociedad colors making racist “monkey” gestures towards the Brazilian forward.
The incident sparked immediate outrage, prompting an investigation by both Real Sociedad and Ertzaintza, the Basque regional police.
Their findings were forwarded to Spain’s Anti-Violence Commission, which moved swiftly to impose sanctions.
Authorities take action
The State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport issued an official statement confirming the punishments, describing them as part of ongoing efforts to combat discrimination in football stadiums.
The decision is seen as a strong stance against racism in Spanish football, particularly in light of repeated instances of abuse targeting Vinícius Júnior in recent seasons.
The Real Madrid winger has been vocal about the issue, calling for tougher measures to protect players and eradicate racism from the sport.
Broader fight against racism
This latest sanction follows a series of similar cases in Spanish football, where authorities have been under increasing pressure to take decisive action.
While critics argue that punishments need to be stricter to serve as a true deterrent, this ruling signals an effort to address racist behavior more effectively.
Vinícius Júnior has been at the center of the fight against racism in La Liga, with numerous clubs and players expressing solidarity with him after past incidents.
The league itself has pledged to work closely with law enforcement and football authorities to identify and penalize those responsible for racist abuse.
Despite ongoing challenges, this case highlights a growing commitment to making Spanish football a more inclusive and respectful environment for all players.
