Prosecutors seek prison term for fan over Marcus Rashford racial abuse
A Real Oviedo supporter is facing a potential 15-month prison sentence after racially abusing Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford during a match last September.
The 19-year-old accused directed a racist slur at the England international while he was preparing to take a corner kick at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium.
Captured on video by a spectator, the footage circulated rapidly on social media and has been viewed nearly 29 million times.
Spanish police identified the individual through stadium security cameras, leading to charges of a hate crime within a sporting environment.
Prosecution demands and potential penalties
The Prosecutor’s Office is treating the incident as a crime against dignity on racist grounds, alongside an offence against moral integrity.
Authorities stated the abuse was clearly audible to other spectators and was intended to cause the Manchester United loanee "frustration, shame and humiliation".
Beyond the custodial sentence, prosecutors are seeking a fine of €2,880 (£2,500) and a four-year disqualification from working in teaching or sports sectors.
A stadium ban exceeding five years is also being requested, which would cover fixtures organised by La Liga, the RFEF, UEFA and FIFA.
Even if the court finds guilt solely on the charge against moral integrity, prosecutors will still pursue the same jail term and stadium exclusion.
Wider context and league situation
This is not an isolated incident at the venue, with Spanish media reporting a separate case involving Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe at the same ground in August.
Rashford, who moved to Catalonia on a season-long loan last summer, recently returned to action following a knee injury.
The 27-year-old featured off the bench in the recent 4-1 victory over Villarreal.
Barcelona currently sit top of the La Liga table, holding a four-point advantage over rivals Real Madrid ahead of their trip to Athletic Club.
