Thibaut Courtois has urged spectators to show more “respect” after Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Jr was targeted by rival supporters during his side’s 3-0 win away to Athletic Club in Bilbao on Wednesday.
The Brazilian reacted to sections of the San Mames crowd with a “three-goal” gesture during the second half of the La Liga fixture, in reference to the scoreline.
Vinicius has been the target of racist abuse in Spain, with five people handed suspended prison sentences earlier this year for racism directed at the 25-year-old during a fixture in 2022.
Ronald Araujo, who plays for Real’s great rivals Barcelona, was granted a leave of absence earlier this week to prioritise his mental health, and Courtois says supporters must bear in mind the well-being of players they target.
“At the end of the day, we’re people, we’re human – we’re not machines. Look at what happened with Araujo,” said Real goalkeeper Courtois.
“In the end, everyone ends up like that. But if you look at what happened after [Barcelona’s] game against Chelsea, the abuse he [Araujo] received on social media and all that… that’s where it all starts.”
Courtois stressed that criticism and rivalry are part of football, but insisted there is a line that should not be crossed.
“I like the banter in games, but I don’t think it always has to involve insults,” he said.
“It creates a good atmosphere, but I think there’s been a bit of a lack of respect, because we’re human beings.”
Courtois’ comments come amid a renewed debate in Spain about player protection and the rise of abuse both inside stadiums and online.
Courtois’s defence of his team-mate echoes earlier calls from Real Madrid for stronger action against discrimination and personal insults directed at players.
Real Madrid’s win against Athletic Club means they now sit just one point behind league leaders Barcelona.
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