Mundo Deportivo: Court to Hear Case Against Sevilla Fan Accused of Discriminating Against Vinicius on September 22

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Provincial Court of Seville plans to hear on September 22 the case of a Sevilla fan accused of insulting Vinicius Junior. After the trial was postponed in April this year, the fan will appear in court this month.

Notably, prosecutors have requested a sentence of one year and nine months in prison for the Sevilla fan on the grounds of a crime against personal dignity. The indictment states that during the 90 minutes of the match, the fan repeatedly called Vinicius a "monkey," imitated "primate movements," and made "uh, uh, uh, uh" sounds.

The indictment also emphasized that the fan was seated in the North Stand, in an area close to the pitch, during the October 2023 match between Sevilla and Real Madrid. The indictment stated: "He repeatedly insulted Vinicius in a manner clearly targeting the player's Black skin, directing racist taunts and contemptuous words and gestures at him, causing frustration, humiliation, and distress, thereby damaging his inherent dignity."

The indictment further pointed out that these "contemptuous actions included imitating primate movements, repeatedly shouting 'monkey,' and making 'uh, uh, uh, uh' sounds. This onomatopoeic imitation represents sounds made by primates, and such sounds have been used by fan groups in different countries at multiple matches to publicly insult Black players."

Prosecutors also stated that the entire incident occurred "in front of a large audience through television, radio, and print and digital media." Sevilla FC immediately expelled the member after the incident became public.

The defendant is accused of violating Article 173.1 of the Criminal Code concerning crimes against personal dignity. Prosecutors also determined that the alleged conduct had a "racist motive" and therefore requested a sentence of one year and nine months in prison. In this case, LaLiga and Real Madrid have both joined the proceedings as parties.

In addition to imprisonment, he could also receive a two-year ban from entering stadiums. If the punishment takes effect, he would be unable to enter venues hosting matches organized by LaLiga or the Spanish Football Federation. Prosecutors mentioned the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, European competitions, international professional matches at all levels, and national team matches at all levels. The indictment also mentioned the Primera Federación, but since the Spanish Football Federation also organizes Segunda Federación and Tercera Federación, the ban would extend to those levels as well, leaving the fan only able to attend regional league matches.