Barcelona have apologised to Vinicius Junior after a board member said he was not a victim of racist abuse but a “clown” who deserves a “slap”.
A post on social media platform X from Miquel Camps, which has now been deleted, appeared after Vinicius performed a number of step-overs during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Braga in the Champions League.
Camps wrote: “It’s not racism, he deserves a slap for being a clown. What do these unnecessary and meaningless stepovers represent in the centre of the field?”
Vinicius’ teammate, Rodrygo, told reporters after the game when informed about the post: “I don’t know if I can speak, they always encourage us not to speak, but it’s pathetic. There’s not much to say, very ugly.”
Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has since admitted that the post was “inappropriate” and promised Vinicius that it would be an isolated incident.
“Even if it was a lapse, it is a bad comment to make,” Yuste said to Spanish broadcaster Movistar. “It was a huge mistake. If Vinicius is listening to me, I can tell him this is not going to happen again.”
Barca manager Xavi also spoke of the need to diffuse escalating tensions between the Catalan giants and Madrid, saying he didn’t like the post or the lack of respect currently on show.
“If he deleted it, there is no need for me to say anything,” Xavi told a press conference. “But I don’t like anything that generates tension ahead of a game like this. I don’t like the tweet, I don’t like to see referees being pressured.
“I’d love to get into a Clasico with the biggest respect among clubs, even with us admiring each other. Not this current state.”
Xavi’s comments came after he warned against pressurising referees into making decisions following stinging criticism from Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian was unhappy that two Madrid goals were disallowed in the 1-1 draw with Sevilla last weekend, and remarked after the game that “if I say what I think they suspend me”.
Barcelona head into the Clasico just a point behind Madrid in La Liga. They are unbeaten in their ten games this season, winning seven and drawing three, while the 14-time Champions League winners have won eight – largely thanks to the stream of goals from summer signing Jude Bellingham.
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