Trial for Racist Abuse Against Vinícius Jr Delayed Until September

SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 21: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 21, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) | Getty Images The legal case against a Sevilla supporter accused of racially abusing Vinícius Jr has been delayed, with the trial now set to take place on September 22. The hearing had originally been scheduled for this week in a Seville court but has been postponed, according to sources close to the proceedings.

The defendant is facing a request from prosecutors for a prison sentence of one year and nine months, tied to charges related to violating the player’s moral integrity. The case stems from an incident that took place during a La Liga match between Sevilla and Real Madrid in October 2023 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. According to the prosecution’s account, the abuse occurred late in the game, between the 83rd and 86th minutes.

The accused, seated in the north stand close to the pitch, allegedly directed repeated racist insults at Vinícius Jr, specifically targeting the color of his skin. The report outlines a series of actions that go beyond verbal abuse. The individual is accused of mimicking primate gestures and repeatedly shouting “monkey,” alongside making sounds intended to imitate those associated with monkeys.

These actions, prosecutors argue, were clearly intended to demean and degrade the Brazilian forward. The impact on Vinícius is also central to the case. Prosecutors state that the abuse caused feelings of humiliation, frustration, and shame, ultimately affecting his dignity.