Two FC Barcelona stars have, perhaps surprisingly, jumped to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr's defence after he was said to "deserve to be slapped" ahead of their much-anticipated ElClasico on Saturday.
Los Blancos were in action earlier this week, recording a 2-1 victory over Braga in a UEFA Champions League group stage, during which the Brazil star picked up two assists.
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Despite his Man of the Match performance, or perhaps because of it, Barca board member Miquel Camps reportedly took a snipe at the winger, saying that "he deserves a slap" for showboating during the fixture.
Ahead of the big derby between the two LaLiga giants on Saturday, Blaugrana stars Joao Felix and Ilkay Gundogan have spoken out in defence of the Selecao attacker, to the surprise of many.
The Portugal forward suggested that Vinicius' display of skill is a part of the sport and even adds to its appeal.
"All the things he does that people say make players irritated, I don't agree. That's football and football has those things. It's not just about running, scoring goals and defending. I think there has to be a bit of joy in the game as well," Felix told ESPN.
"Both he [Vini] and I, Rodrygo, Pedri and Lamine [Yamal] bring it to the game. And I think that also brings people to the stadium and that motivates them to watch football.
"Everyone is the way they are. I'm talking about dribbling and irreverence. We always need players like that in our teams."
Gundogan, meanwhile, said that although the Brazilian's actions may ruffle a few fans' feathers, he could use their aggressive response as a source of motivation.
"Someone can interpret Vinicius' actions as a provocation, but for me, honestly, they are not," the Germany midfielder told TV3.
"Evidently, he already knows that if he does these things, he will be whistled. But maybe he likes to be whistled, I don't know...
"Some players experience it as an extra element of motivation. It happens to myself, that when I play away [from home] and they whistle me, I get more motivated.
"We live in a world where there are many ways to do things and as long as it is with respect, everyone should be able to show their emotions."
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