Real Madrid have supported their squad’s right to express differing views after forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr covered up a display of solidarity with the people of Ceuta prior to Tuesday’s La Liga game against Elche.
Both teams entered the pitch wearing t-shirts bearing the words “Todos somos caballas” (“We are all mackerels”), referencing a nickname for inhabitants of the Spanish territory of Ceuta.
However, Mbappe and Vinicius hitched their shirts up to chest level, rendering the slogan unreadable, before removing them completely as they left the tunnel. Teammate Ibrahima Konate chose simply to carry his shirt in his hands.
This act of support follows more than 70,000 irregular crossings into Ceuta from Morocco recorded during July, which triggered solidarity movements across Spain.
A representative from Real Madrid informed Reuters that while the club agreed to Elche’s request to wear the shirts in solidarity, as an organisation they respect individual opinions and gave players the freedom to decide whether to participate.
Real previously staged a tifo display in their singing section during last Tuesday’s Champions League match against Inter Milan, where supporters held up placards depicting the Ceuta flag.
The garment initiative was backed by the Valencian Business Association, though Barcelona opted against wearing the shirts during Sunday’s fixture against Levante.
On Monday, Moroccan international Ez Abde was targeted with abusive social media posts after wearing the top ahead of Real Betis’ game against Villarreal.
Abde issued a statement asserting he would not apologise, explaining the message supported a community and social cause rather than carrying political intent.
Real Madrid went on to win Tuesday’s match as they edged a five-goal thriller thanks to a stoppage-time winner.
Jose Mourinho’s men had been appeared on course for a comfortable victory after moving into a two-goal lead following a Matias Dituro own goal and an Mbappe strike.
However, Elche got back on level terms with seven minutes remaining thanks to goals from Abiel Osorio and Fer Nino.
It was left to Carlos Espi to rescue a hard-earned win for Real Madrid, as he tapped home into an empty net after an unselfish pass from Mbappe.
