Banana Outburst, Big Ban: Albacete Fan Sanctioned After Vinícius Júnior Incident
5 February 2026
One Albacete fan threw a banana at Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior at the end of the sides' Copa del Rey clash.
The government committee for anti-violence and racism in sport in Spain has fined the Albacete supporter accused of throwing the banana at Vinícius Júnior during the cup match.
According to Marca, the committee fined the offender 5,000 euros and banned him from entering stadiums and sports venues for one year after the racist act in the round of 16 clash on January 14, which Albacete won 3-2.
Records from the National Police sports unit show surveillance cameras clearly captured the moment the banana left the stand, timed with Albacete's late goal celebration.
The committee described these events as a serious offense under Law 19/2007 on anti-violence, racism, and xenophobia in sport, and recommended a 12-month ban from entering stadiums for the offender.
What happens next
Mundo Deportivo reports that proceedings opened by the Spanish Football Federation are still ongoing after a complaint by the match referee's delegate documented the banana incident in the final minutes of the fixture.
Albacete faces several scenarios, including a partial stadium closure due to racist and xenophobic behavior and lack of tolerance.
As a severe penalty, enforcement would begin at the team's first home game after the decision, regardless of competition.
In the best case, the punishment could be a hefty fine with a warning of future closures.
Punchline 1: If you want to make headlines without penalties, learn to peel back and keep your fruit in your pocket.
Punchline 2: In football, the fruit is meant for the bench, not the pitch — keep your bananas where they belong.
