Real Madrid leaders to boycott trip to Barcelona for El Clasico after Barca director's insulting comments aimed at Vinicius Jr - Reports
According to MARCA, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and other leaders of the club have decided to boycott the trip to Barcelona for El Clasico after Mikel Camps' comments.
Camps, Barca's executive board spokesperson, made an insulting remark aimed at Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior. He took a dig at the Brazilian in a tweet that read:
"It's not racism. He deserves a slap for being a clown. These stepovers are unnecessary and meaningless on a football pitch."
The comments came during the UEFA Champions League clash between SC Braga and Real Madrid. Camps hasn't apologised for the same.
That has infuriated the Los Blancos camp, so Perez and other Madrid board members have decided not to take the trip to Catalunya for the clash at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 28.
Rafa Yutse, Sports vice-prresident of La Blaugrana, though, has apologised for Camps' tweet, telling Movistar:
"Even if it is a mistake, it doesn't have to be done. It is an unfortunate tweet. If Vinicius is listening to me, he is not going to repeat himself."
However, Camps hasn't issued an apology, and that has forced the Los Blancos hierarchy to not make the trip for the upcoming El Clasico this weekend.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: How both teams have fared this season
Real Madrid enter the contest against Barcelona following a 2-1 UEFA Champions League away win against SC Braga. Barcelona, meanwhile, beat Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 at home in the same competition this week.
Los Blancos are atop the La Liga table with 25 points from 10 points, ahead of second-placed Girona on goal difference. Carlo Ancelotti's team have won eight of their 10 league games this season. They have scored 21 goals and conceded seven.
Barca, meanwhile, are third in the standings with 24 points from 10 matches. Xavi's side have won seven games and drawn three. The defending La Liga champions have scored 22 goals and conceded 10.
While it's still very early stages in the 2023-24 season, a win for either team will hand them a massive boost in the race for the La Liga title.