Goal.com
Sports Journalist
➜ WHAT HAPPENED? Los Blancos secured a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal clash thanks to a goal from Brazilian forward Endrick.
However, their win was overshadowed by troubling incidents of racial discrimination, adding to a growing pattern of abuse aimed at Vinicius.
As the match progressed, disturbing chants and gestures began to surface.
Chants of “Asencio d**” were allegedly heard in the stands, in what was a deeply troubling display of hostility aimed at the young defender.
In addition to the verbal abuse, Diario AS captured footage of a Real Sociedad supporter making a monkey gesture towards Vinicius, further exacerbating the situation.
➜ WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID “I think the referee acted well," Ancelotti told reporters after the match while addressing the disturbing incidents.
"Vinicius spoke to the referee, stopped the game and activated the protocol.
He did well.
It is what he must do.
I removed Asencio because of two things: he was affected (by the chants) and he had a yellow card.
Nobody likes to be yelled at ‘die’.
So he was affected.
I preferred to remove him, because his feelings could affect him.”.