La Liga: Real Oviedo Supporter Arrested for Racist Abuse Against Real Madrid
A Real Oviedo fan has been arrested for making racist gestures towards Real Madrid players during a match.
Three Valencia fans were handed eight-month prison sentences for racially abusing Real Madrid's...
A Real Oviedo fan was arrested for making racist gestures towards Real Madrid players during their match last month. The fan mimicked monkey gestures and sounds, captured by television broadcasts, and was identified through image and video analysis. LaLiga reported the incidents after the match held in Oviedo on August 24, where Real Madrid won 3-0.
The arrest was made possible through the analysis of various images and videos from the match, specifically focusing on the 37th minute when Real Madrid players celebrated Kylian Mbappe's opening goal. The fan's actions were deemed an offense against moral integrity and a hate crime, and they have been placed at the disposal of the Court of Instruction number 1 of Oviedo.
Charges and Potential Punishments
- Offense against moral integrity
- Hate crime
Potential Penalties
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Fine ranging from €60,000 to €650,000
- Prohibition of access to stadiums
This arrest is part of a broader effort to combat racism in Spanish football, following recent convictions for similar offenses, including a one-year prison sentence for racially abusing Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams and eight-month sentences for Valencia supporters who abused Vinicius Jr.
LaLiga reported the incident after Real Madrid's match against Real Oviedo held in Oviedo. A disturbing incident unfolded during the game on August 24 when a Real Oviedo fan directed racist abuse at Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe. The fan was arrested by the National Police after making monkey noises and gestures towards Mbappe in the 37th minute, coinciding with the player's goal celebration.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, and La Liga promptly reported it to the Anti-Violence Committee. Real Oviedo's President, Martin Pelaez, assured that the club would collaborate with authorities to ensure the fan faced severe consequences. Although the club initially claimed they found no evidence, the police investigation uncovered new information leading to the arrest.
The arrested fan faces serious charges, including a potential prison sentence of up to three years and a fine ranging from €60,000 to €650,000. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in Spanish football, with Vinicius Junior being a notable victim in the past. The case serves as a reminder of the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents and ensure player safety.
A Real Oviedo fan was arrested for making racist gestures towards Real Madrid players during their match on August 24. The fan's monkey gestures and noises were captured by television broadcasts, prompting LaLiga to report the incident. Authorities analyzed images and videos from the match to identify the supporter.
In a related case, a man was sentenced to one year in prison for racially abusing Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams during a 2020 match at Espanyol's Cornella-El Prat stadium. The defendant imitated monkey noises and gestures towards Williams, sparking widespread condemnation across Spanish football. The sentence, handed down by a Barcelona court on September 3, 2025, also includes a €1,000 fine, a three-year ban from entering football stadiums, and a five-year prohibition from working in education or sports-related professions.
The incident involving Williams highlights the ongoing issue of racism in Spanish football, with LaLiga and authorities working to hold offenders accountable. Inaki Williams expressed sadness over the racist insults, emphasizing that football should be played in a friendly atmosphere. This recent conviction marks one of the most significant rulings in Spain's fight against racism in football.
Three Valencia fans were handed eight-month prison sentences for racially abusing Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a match last May. This landmark conviction marks the first time someone has been found guilty of racist insults in a Spanish soccer stadium. The defendants were also banned from entering stadiums for two years and ordered to pay court costs.
Given that the sentences are less than two years, it's likely the defendants won't serve jail time, as Spanish law often allows for suspended sentences for non-violent crimes when the defendant has no prior convictions. Vinicius Jr has faced repeated racist abuse in Spain, and this conviction is seen as a step towards combating racism in Spanish football.
Racism in Spanish Football: A Persistent Issue
Vinicius Jr has experienced numerous incidents of racial abuse, with over 10 reported incidents in one season
La Liga has filed formal complaints and worked with authorities to address the issue
The Spanish football league has launched initiatives to promote inclusivity and respect, including the “La Liga VS” project.
Impact and Future Implications
- The conviction sends a strong message against racism in sports
- La Liga President Javier Tebas emphasizes the importance of identifying and reporting racist incidents, which can lead to criminal consequences
- The case highlights the need for continued efforts to eradicate racism in Spanish football
No comments:
Leave comment here