Kylian Mbappé has found himself at the centre of a fresh Real Madrid storm after choosing not to fully display a pre-match message of support for the people of Ceuta.
Key takeaways
- Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konaté partially covered a special Ceuta-support shirt before Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Elche.
- Ultras Sur demanded public apologies from the three players.
- The far-right supporters’ group said Florentino Pérez should resign if no apology is made.
- Mbappé said he did not want to rank one group’s suffering above another.
- Ultras Sur have been barred from the Santiago Bernabéu since 2013.
A gesture before Elche becomes a flashpoint
Real Madrid’s narrow victory over Elche on Tuesday night was followed by controversy over the shirts worn before kick-off. The squad had been given tops carrying a message backing Ceuta’s population, but Mbappé, Vinicius and Konaté did not leave the wording fully visible.
The three players deliberately obscured part of the message, prompting an angry statement from Ultras Sur. The group called their conduct “unacceptable” and said the players should remember that their wages are paid through the club’s members.
Mbappé addressed the episode on Wednesday evening, saying his decision came from a refusal to “establish a priority in suffering”.
Ultras Sur renew conflict with Pérez
Ultras Sur demanded that Mbappé, Vinicius and Konaté issue public apologies. Its statement also targeted Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, with the group calling for his resignation should the players not apologise.
The supporters accused Pérez of being responsible for what they described as a loss of the club’s values and dignity.
Founded during the 1980s, Ultras Sur have a long and violent record. The group has been associated over the years with Nazi salutes, Francoist references, racist incidents and fascist activity, as well as links to neo-Nazi circles.
Its relationship with Pérez has been hostile for years. The Real Madrid president removed Ultras Sur from the Santiago Bernabéu in 2013, ending the group’s presence inside the stadium.
SEO title: Mbappé under pressure after Ceuta shirt gesture at Real Madrid
SEO description: Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konaté face demands for apologies after partially covering a Ceuta-support message before Real Madrid’s win over Elche.
