“Fans saying nonsense doesn’t matter to me” - Barcelona star Lamine Yamal speaks up after racial abuse in El Classico victory over Real Madrid
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has opened up on the racial abuse he suffered during the game against Real Madrid on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish youngster was in the thick of things as the Catalans got the better of the LaLiga champions in the season's first El Clasico.
Robert Lewandowski, Yamal, and Raphinha got on the scoresheet, powering Barcelona to a 4-0 win. It was later revealed that the teenager was at the receiving end of vile gestures and comments from the home fans while he celebrated his goal.
Speaking after the Ballon d'Or gala on Monday, where he won the Kopa Trophy, Lamine Yamal refused to dwell on the negativity.
“Insults at the Bernabeu? I’m the one on the pitch, I’m only focused on the pitch The fans saying nonsense doesn’t matter to me,” said Yamal via Barca Universal.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has already lent his support to the youngster after the episode. The Brazilian has been at the forefront of the fight against racism in Spanish football in the last few seasons.
Los Blancos have also released a strong statement condemning the incident and have pledged to take action. LaLiga also remain committed to punishing the perpetrators.
Lamine Yamal constantly faced taunts and jeers from Real Madrid fans during the game, but showed amazing composure. The Barcelona starlet ended up having the last laugh, but perhaps his calm demeanor sent an even stronger message to his abusers.
Should Real Madrid be wary of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal?
Lamine Yamal's meteoric rise with Barcelona is likely to have Real Madrid worried. The Spaniard exploded into the scenes with the Catalans last season, registering seven goals and nine assists from 50 games across competitions.
He then traveled to Germany for Euro 2024 and was outstanding once again for La Roja. The 17-year-old scored one goal and set up four more from seven games across competitions as Spain won the Cup.
Yamal was heavily courted by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) over the summer, but Barcelona refused to let him go. The player has continued his stellar form under Hansi Flick, registering six goals and seven assists from 14 games across competitions.
The player's contract at Camp Nou expires in 2026. However, recent reports have suggested that the Catalans are already preparing to tie him down to a new deal until 2030 once he turns 18. On Saturday, the teenager showed Real Madrid why he is already being hailed as Lionel Messi's heir.