Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has applauded the sentencing of Valencia football fans over hate crimes against him.
Chronicle NG reports that three Valencia football fans were sentenced to eight months in prison on Monday for hate crimes against Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr., the first conviction for racist insults in a soccer stadium in Spain, the court announced.
“The ruling handed down today, which is final, establishes as proven that the three defendants insulted Vinicius with shouts, gestures, and chants referring to the colour of his skin,” the court said in a statement.
Reacting to the court’s verdict, Vinicius, in a statement on his verified X page, noted that the ruling “is for all black people.”
He also mentioned that, though many people described his fight for justice as futile, he remained undaunted.
Describing himself as “a tormentor of racists,” the Brazilian mentioned that the conviction will deter other racists from committing hate crimes.
He said, “Many asked me to ignore it; many others said that my fight was in vain and that I should just ‘play football.’
“But, as I’ve always said, I’m not a victim of racism; I am a tormentor of racism.
“The first criminal conviction in the history of Spain is not for me. It’s for all black people.
“May other racists be afraid, ashamed, and hide in the shadow; otherwise, I’ll be here to collect.
“Thank you, La Liga and Real Madrid, for helping with this historic conviction. More to come.”
