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
-
Trump criticises ‘decaying’ European countries and ‘weak’ leaders
1 minute -
Afroquality announces ‘Becoming Us’ – a first-of-its-kind PanAfrican micro series redefining how brands tell African stories
31 minutes -
Government’s reduction of Lithium Royalty Rate from 10% to 5% raises serious concerns – APL
59 minutes -
“Africa cannot afford to be a bystander” – Mahama
59 minutes -
Halt ratification of revised lithium agreement between Ghana and Barari
1 hour -
Gov’t will continue to prioritise quality healthcare at all levels – Vice President
1 hour -
Why the NDC’s reduced Lithium Royalty Rate proposal is “Strange and Legally Baseless” – Africa Policy Lens
1 hour -
Your non-involvement enabled us to speedily approve our estimates – Ayariga trolls angry Minority
1 hour -
Christian Council commends government’s Sanitation Week initiative ahead of Christmas
2 hours -
Ghana risks losing about US$630 million if government reduces lithium royalty rate from 10% to 5% – Africa Policy Lens warns
2 hours -
Parliament approves budget allocations despite Minority’s chaotic scenes over Kpandai dispute
2 hours -
GhanaFest Europe debuts in The Hague, showcasing trade and culture
2 hours -
Commercial Curiosity: The Unseen Driver of Opportunity
3 hours -
Mahama calls for public–private partnerships to make healthcare more accessible
3 hours -
Rules being twisted to perpetrate injustice – Oppong Nkrumah on NPP’s withdrawal of cooperation
3 hours
