Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior was the subject of death threats from Osasuna fans during his team’s La Liga win in Pamplona on Saturday night.
The Brazilian was also heckled before the match in what was supposed to be a minute’s silence to pay respects to the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
Vini has often been targeted with rough treatment by opposing players this season, with some of the unacceptable abuse from the stands even spilling over into racism.
It was recently suggested that the player and Real have become increasingly concerned by his treatment this season, both in terms of a lack of protection from referee and being portrayed as some of villain even though he has been the victim.
Los Blancos already had similar concerns about protection last season.
Speaking after the Osasuna game, Thibaut Courtois summarised what happened.
“There is a minute of silence and there is someone who says ‘son of…’ and it is unfortunate. They sang ‘Vinicius die’, it is unfortunate. There are beautiful and encouraging fans who don’t say that nonsense,” the goalkeeper told DAZN.
“Vini played a good game, it’s a pity he didn’t score the goal. You have to look at the people, not Vinicius. You see children with their parents doing the shouting and that’s unfortunate. You have to look at the others. Of course, Vini can get hot, but it’s more outside.”
Vini did ‘get hot’ at one stage, appearing to verbally berate and insult referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero without punishment – the Barcelona press were quick to pick on that and the fact that Robert Lewandowski got a three-game ban for ‘touching his nose’.
The player ultimately had the last laugh where Osasuna and their fans were concerned.
He assisted Real’s opening goal of the 2-0 win 12 minutes from time and later took to social media.
Los insultos siguen… pero el baile también… Nos vemos en Liverpool! ¡HALAMADRID! ? pic.twitter.com/wWNRrx7Ing
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) February 18, 2023
“The insults continue…but the dance too…see you in Liverpool,” he said posted on Twitter, referring to Tuesday night’s Champions League tie in England.
