Real Madrid ultras demand apologies from Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Konate

The fallout from Kylian Mbappe, Ibrahima Konate and Vinicius Junior partially covering their Real Madrid shirts during Tuesday’s 3-2 win at Elche has continued, with the Ultras Sur supporters’ group demanding public apologies from all three players.

The trio concealed part of the message “We are all from Ceuta” during the match in support of the people of Ceuta. The incident has been seized upon by Spain’s far right, which was quick to condemn the players.

Mbappe addressed the controversy on Wednesday, saying he was aware of the suffering experienced by migrants.

Ultras Sur, a Real Madrid supporters’ group associated with the far right, has now issued a statement calling for the players to apologise. The group has been banned from entering the Santiago Bernabeu since 2013 after a number of violent incidents, including the Nazi salute.

In a statement published by Foot Mercato, the group said: “Although the group always distances itself from the controversies involving players who show little or no respect for our badge and our values, we feel obliged to speak publicly about what happened on Tuesday.

“It is completely unacceptable that players who wear our shirt and are paid from the members’ money should show disrespect to Spanish citizens suffering the consequences of the invasion.”

The statement continued: “We are certain that every Real Madrid fan and every Spaniard feels ashamed of the image created by these three individuals.”

Ultras Sur also criticised Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for his response to the incident.

“Unfortunately, it does not surprise us that our club president has chosen to look the other way,” the group said.

“We therefore demand a public apology from these players. Otherwise, we demand the resignation of Florentino Perez, whom we hold responsible for the loss of our club’s values and dignity.”

The group concluded: “You may lose matches, trophies and money, but when you lose your values and allow this to happen, you lose the generation that was supposed to continue your journey.”

The Real Madrid supporters’ association in Ceuta also launched a strong attack on the three players on Wednesday, describing them as hypocrites.