“Of course I understand"–Raphinha stands with Vini over response to racist abuse

Last weekend’s El Clasico showdown, which was won 4-0 by Barcelona, was marred by the latest case of racist abuse in Spanish football. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ansu Fati were reported to be targeted by a small number of Real Madrid supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the matter is now being investigated.

Speaking to El Pais, Raphinha recounted his experience of the incident, and also explained why he and his Barcelona teammates did not report being abused at the time.

“We have already talked about it, each person is different. Of course it bothers you, we’re doing our job. We know that the fans of the other team can try to do everything so that things don’t go well for you and that we mus