LA LIGA: MBAPPE, VINICIUS UNDER FIRE FOR HIDING CEUTA SOLIDARITY MESSAGE ON SHIRT

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have sparked controversy after appearing to obscure a solidarity message on pre-match shirts supporting Ceuta ahead of their La Liga clash with Elche.

Video footage from Tuesday’s match showed Vinicius instructing Mbappe on how to wear the shirt, with the pair, alongside teammate Ibrahima Konate, appearing to roll up or adjust the shirts in a way that obscured the message, “Todos somos caballas.”

The shirts were part of a wider La Liga initiative supporting Ceuta, the Spanish autonomous city that has been at the centre of an ongoing migrant crisis.

Mbappe, Vinicius and Konate later removed the shirts before the pre-match handshake.

The footage quickly circulated on social media, prompting criticism from several supporters who accused the players of disrespecting residents of Ceuta.

One user, #elsemiyero, posted, “#TodosSomosCaballas #MbappéViniciusTRAIDORES,” describing the players as traitors while expressing solidarity with Ceuta.

Another user, #SportyScience, wrote, “I hope the fans boo them for the rest of the season and until the end of their contracts. You are not welcome in Spain.”

Some reactions also called for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to take action against the players.

“Florentino Perez should fine the players with a lengthy suspension without pay so that ‘the nonsense would end quickly,’” #WillyTolerdoo posted.

Another user, #Ja_ari97, criticised the players, writing, “shame that #realmadrid allows this contempt toward our compatriots from Ceuta by these millionaires who live in luxurious gated communities with private security.”

However, some users defended the players, arguing that footballers should be free to decide whether to participate in political or solidarity gestures.

“Keep politics out of football,” #Gracie_Blue89 wrote, adding, “a round of applause for the players.”

Real Madrid subsequently defeated Elche 3-2, with a late goal securing the victory.