MADRID — Four Atletico Madrid ultras received suspended jail sentences for a racist stunt involving a dummy of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, which was hanged from a bridge near the club’s training ground in January 2023.

All four men, members of the Frente Atletico fan group, pleaded guilty under a plea deal to making threats and violating the player’s fundamental rights. Three were sentenced to 14 months, and one to 22 months for also sharing images online.

Due to Spanish law, their sentences are suspended as they’re under two years and none have prior criminal records. Prosecutors had initially sought four-year terms.

The group issued a written apology to Vinicius, Real Madrid, La Liga, and the Spanish football federation, and must now complete anti-discrimination training. They were also fined and banned from stadiums and from approaching Vinicius for over five years.

La Liga praised the ruling as a milestone against hate in sport. Real Madrid welcomed the decision, noting this brings to 14 the total convictions related to racist abuse of their players, and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting racism in football.