Audio By Carbonatix
Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr says he "didn't want to offend anyone" when he and some of his team-mates clashed with Barcelona players after winning Sunday's El Clásico.
The Brazil forward, 25, expressed his frustration at being substituted in the 72nd minute and went straight down the tunnel.
He returned to the Real bench later and, after his side's 2-1 win, tried to confront Barcelona's 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal during unsavoury post-match scenes.
Vinicius was one of five players booked for their part in the incident, while Real's substitute goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was shown a red card.
"El Clásico is like that," Vinicius told Real Madrid TV. "There are a lot of things happening on and off the pitch.
"We try to maintain a balance, but it's not always possible. We didn't want to offend anyone, not Barca players, nor the fans.
"We know that when we step on to the pitch, we have to defend our side, and that's how it was today."
Lamine Yamal had angered the Real players by saying last week that Real 'steal' and 'complain'.
After scoring Sunday's winner at the Bernabeu, Real's England midfielder Jude Bellingham said on Instagram:, external "Talk is cheap. Hala Madrid always."
What has Alonso said about Vinicius?
There have been many reports in recent months that Los Blancos would consider letting Vinicius leave if they received a suitable offer.
At the end of this season, the Fifa Best men's player of the year will have one year remaining on his contract but talks over a new deal have stalled.
When Vinicius was substituted on Sunday, cameras from broadcaster Dazn picked up the Brazilian saying: "Always me! I'm leaving the team! It's better if I leave, I'm leaving."
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso responded by saying: "I focus on a lot of positive things in the game, and positive things from Vini. We'll talk about [his reaction], of course."
On the clashes after the final whistle, Alonso said: "I interpret it with normality. We don't have to make too much of it.
"It's the tension of the moment, for them and us. These scuffles have always happened."
Carvajal to have knee surgery
Meanwhile, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will have surgery on his right knee and might be out for the rest of the year.
The 33-year-old Spaniard has made seven appearances in 10 La Liga games this season, coming on as a second-half substitute during El Clasico.
His latest injury setback comes a year after he ruptured two ligaments and a tendon in the same knee, ruling him out for much of last season.
"Following tests carried out on our captain Dani Carvajal by Real Madrid's medical services, he has been diagnosed with a loose body in his right knee. Carvajal will undergo arthroscopic surgery," Real said on Monday.
Latest Stories
-
Agricultural economist suggests government pays cocoa farmers with gold proceeds
3 minutes -
AU Commissioner urges investment in women and youth for Africa’s future
8 minutes -
BoG rolling out fintech passport, digital infrastructure to boost cross-border payments – Deputy Governor
12 minutes -
AfCFTA must empower SMEs, women and youth for Africa’s shared prosperity — Prof Opoku-Agyemang
12 minutes -
Africa’s single market needs SMEs to thrive — African Union Commissioner
18 minutes -
Libyan prosecutors launch probe into killing of Gaddafi’s son
23 minutes -
Son of Norway’s crown princess holds back tears giving evidence at rape trial
28 minutes -
India’s regulator investigates after jets brush wingtips at Mumbai airport
29 minutes -
Without secure, reliable means of transferring value, integrated African market can’t be achieved – Deputy BoG Governor
31 minutes -
Libyan prosecutors launch probe into killing of Gaddafi’s son
32 minutes -
Andrew and Epstein asked exotic dancer for ‘sex acts,’ legal letter claims
32 minutes -
Israeli strikes kill 20 in Gaza, hospitals say, after soldier wounded by gunfire
33 minutes -
Ghana Reference Rate for February declines marginally to 14.58%; interest rate expected to drop
41 minutes -
A/R: Okada accident kills 7-year-old girl, siblings injured at Adankwame
59 minutes -
Counsellor Perfect shares practical ways to rekindle intimacy in marriage
1 hour
