Three Valencia football fans have received eight-month prison sentences for hate crimes against Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr, marking the first conviction for racist statements in a Spanish football stadium, as announced by a court.

“Today’s ruling, which is final, confirms that the three defendants insulted Vinícius with racial slurs, gestures, and chants regarding his skin color,” stated the court on Monday.

“These racist insults and gestures, including mimicking monkey sounds and movements, caused Vinícius feelings of frustration, shame, and humiliation, thereby infringing upon his innate dignity.”

In Spain, prison terms of less than two years for non-violent crimes typically do not require imprisonment if the convicted person has no prior offenses. Thus, the three are expected to remain free unless they commit further crimes.

The convicted fans, who admitted guilt, are also banned from entering football stadiums for two years and must cover the legal costs.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas welcomed the ruling, saying, “This is significant for combating racism in Spain, restoring Vinícius Jr's dignity, and sending a clear warning to those who aim to insult in football stadiums; LaLiga will identify them, report them, and ensure they face legal consequences.”

The racist abuse took place at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium last May, during a league match where Vinícius, who is Black, was targeted with hateful chants.

This incident sparked widespread support for the Brazilian player and bolstered both local and international anti-racism initiatives, including the establishment of a FIFA anti-racism committee comprised of players.

“During the hearing, the defendants read an apology letter to Vinícius Jr, LaLiga, and Real Madrid,” LaLiga mentioned in their Monday statement.

Real Madrid acknowledged the remorse shown by the defendants, who in their letter urged fans to eliminate all forms of racism and intolerance from sports.

“Real Madrid, alongside Vinícius Jr as a private prosecutor, will continue to uphold our club's values and eradicate racist behavior in football and sports,” the club asserted in a statement.

The 23-year-old Vinícius contributed to Real Madrid's LaLiga and Champions League victories this past season. He was named the Champions League’s top player and is a frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or, awarded to the world’s best player, in October.

In the last two seasons, LaLiga reported sixteen incidents of racial abuse against Vinícius to Spanish prosecutors.

Last March, Vinícius tearfully spoke at a press conference about his struggles with motivation and enjoyment in football due to persistent abuse, urging Spanish authorities to act.

State prosecutor Susana Gisbert told reporters, “People need to understand that such acts are punishable as hate crimes. This conviction addresses crimes against moral integrity with an added hate crime circumstance.”

In April, the Spanish TV channel Movistar Plus+ dismissed analyst German Burgos after a racially insensitive comment about Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. Both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain had refused to give interviews to the network thereafter.

That same month, LaLiga ordered both Atletico Madrid and Getafe to partially close their stands due to racist and xenophobic behavior during a match, and a third-division game between Rayo Majadahonda and Sestao River was halted after Rayo’s Senegalese goalkeeper, Cheikh Kane Sarr, confronted a fan over racial slurs.