Guti Defends Vinicius Jr: 'I Would Have Reacted Worse to the Fans'
Guti supports Vinicius Jr, saying his reaction to offensive chants from fans was natural and understandable under pressure.
Former Real Madrid star Guti has come to the defense of Vinicius Jr after the Brazilian’s reaction to fan chants during the match against Rayo Vallecano. Speaking on the Spanish program El Chiringuito, Guti stated that Vinicius’s response was natural and that he himself would have reacted even more strongly.
During the heated encounter at Vallecas Stadium, Vinicius faced offensive chants from sections of the home crowd, including derogatory phrases like "Vinicius, beach ball." In response, Vinicius provocatively gestured towards the Rayo fans, signaling their team’s struggles with relegation.
Guti, recalling his own playing days, empathized with the Brazilian winger. “I understand Vinicius completely. Sometimes, when you’re frustrated or not having a good day, you don’t want to hear insults from the crowd. It’s human nature to react. In fact, if I were in Vinicius’s position, I probably would have reacted even worse.”
The former Real Madrid midfielder also pointed out that Vinicius has been under immense pressure this season, frequently facing criticism from opposition fans and referees. “He didn’t get a clear penalty in the match. Add the insults and the pressure, and a reaction becomes inevitable. It’s part of the mental battle players face.”
Despite the controversy, Guti praised Vinicius for his on-field impact, as his entry into the game changed the tempo and helped Real Madrid salvage a draw against Rayo Vallecano.
The discussion around Vinicius’s treatment by opposition fans continues to grow, with calls for better measures to address fan behavior in stadiums.