Stop the Hate, Says Real Madrid Man After Vinicius Targeted Again

Real Madrid’s 3-0 win at Athletic Club has been overshadowed by another incident involving Vinicius Jr, prompting Thibaut Courtois to urge supporters across Spain to rethink the way they treat players.

Courtois steps in as Vinicius becomes target again

Real Madrid left Bilbao with a commanding victory, yet the post match conversation centred on the behaviour directed at Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian responded to sections of the San Mames crowd with a gesture referencing the scoreline, a reaction born of repeated hostility. Vinicius has endured sustained racist abuse during his time in Spain, and earlier this year five individuals received suspended prison sentences for offences committed against him in 2022.

Courtois made a point of defending his team mate, stressing that players absorb far more than many supporters realise. He referenced the situation involving Ronald Araujo, who has taken leave from Barcelona to focus on his mental health, and argued that the environment surrounding elite football has become increasingly damaging. “At the end of the day, we’re people, we’re human, we’re not machines. Look at what happened with Araujo,” he said.

Calls for rivalry without crossing the line

The Belgian goalkeeper accepted that criticism and rivalry are essential components of the sport, but insisted that boundaries must exist.

“I like the banter in games, but I don’t think it always has to involve insults,” Courtois explained. “It creates a good atmosphere, but I think there’s been a bit of a lack of respect, because we’re human beings.”

He highlighted the abuse Araujo received after Barcelona’s recent match against Chelsea, describing it as the type of behaviour that often begins inside stadiums before spreading online. Courtois noted that these patterns affect players across the league, not only those involved in high profile fixtures.

Growing pressure on Spanish football authorities

Courtois’ intervention aligns with Real Madrid’s repeated calls for firmer sanctions and clearer protections for players subjected to discrimination or personal insults. The club believes that current measures are insufficient, and the latest flashpoint will intensify scrutiny on how La Liga and Spanish institutions intend to respond.

The victory over Athletic Club kept Real Madrid within touching distance of leaders Barcelona, but the mood following the match reflected broader concerns. Courtois reinforced the message that football’s competitive edge should not come at the expense of player wellbeing, and that the sport must act before more individuals feel the strain that has pushed others to step back.