A Sevilla FC supporter will stand trial on Tuesday accused of a crime against moral integrity for racially abusing Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior. The hearing at the Sección Tercera of the Audiencia Provincial de Sevilla relates to incidents that occurred on 21 October 2023.
The abuse took place between the 83rd and 86th minutes of a La Liga match at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium. The accused, seated in the Gol Norte stand close to the pitch, was identified by the club, expelled from the ground, and faced internal sanctions. LaLiga, a party to the case, reported the incident to the RFEF's Competition Committee and the Anti-Violence Commission.
The Public Ministry alleges the individual "directed repeated insults at him with evident contempt for the black colour of the player's skin". The prosecution states he repeatedly shouted the word 'mono' (monkey), made primate-like gestures, and produced onomatopoeic sounds imitating monkeys. The actions, captured by television cameras, happened in front of stadium spectators and a large media audience.
The prosecution is seeking a sentence of one year and nine months in prison for the accused, charged as the principal author. In its written conclusions, it said the "racist shouts and gestures of contempt towards his person generated feelings of frustration, shame and humiliation, with the consequent impairment of intrinsic dignity".
This trial comes as Sevilla, fifth in the standings with 13 points, looks to focus on football following a 1-3 defeat to Barcelona. The team faces an international break before travelling to face 17th-placed Levante on 12 October. The squad's recent form, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches, can be tracked in our fixtures section.
The case highlights ongoing efforts in Spanish football to eradicate racism from stadiums. The trial, originally expected in April, takes place nearly three years after the events. The verdict will set a precedent in the fight against such conduct.
The report in full is at Marca - Primera
