De Jong Critiques Carvajal for Provoking Yamal in Heated Clásico

In a tense encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 15, 2024, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong criticized Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal for provoking teammate Lamine Yamal following a heated Clásico. The match concluded with Real Madrid triumphing over Barcelona 2-1, marking their first victory in five meetings and extending their lead at the top of LaLiga to five points.

Yamal faced hostility throughout the match from Madrid supporters, who jeered him due to comments he made earlier in the week suggesting that the team benefits from questionable refereeing. As tensions escalated at the end of the match, Carvajal approached Yamal, reportedly making gestures that contributed to a scuffle among players.

“If Carvajal wanted to speak to Lamine, he could do so in private,” De Jong stated to reporters after the match. “If he thinks he shouldn’t do things like [make those comments], he could call him. They’re teammates [with Spain], they know each other. Why do you have to make a scene on the pitch?”

Yamal had ignited controversy prior to the match by appearing on the Kings League’s YouTube channel, hosted by former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué. During the segment, he made a comparison between Real Madrid and one of the teams in the league, which some interpreted as critical. De Jong defended Yamal, claiming that his comments were misinterpreted.

“Lamine didn’t say that they rob, not directly,” De Jong added. “He’s there doing stuff for the Kings League, people are saying things, but I have not heard Lamine saying exactly that. I can understand Madrid’s players, but the reaction was exaggerated.”

The atmosphere at the Bernabéu was charged, with supporters vocally expressing their displeasure towards Yamal. Even before kick-off, he was booed as his name was announced, and this reaction continued each time he touched the ball during the game. Marcus Sorg, Barcelona’s assistant coach, acknowledged the challenges Yamal faced, particularly given his recent recovery from a groin injury.

“It could be [that], probably a little bit, because he is also learning to deal with the audience, the shouting and whistles from spectators,” Sorg said. “Normally he’s very motivated and plays well. Today it was not so easy for him.”

On the field, Yamal struggled against Madrid’s defensive strategies, especially with left-back Álvaro Carreras effectively containing him, often receiving support from teammates. Sorg emphasized the need to be patient with the young player, highlighting that he is still adapting to the demands of elite football.

“He came from an injury and he needs rhythm, more games at the highest level,” Sorg noted. “It’s normal, he’s 18. We have to give him time; we have to help him.”

From Madrid’s perspective, coach Xabi Alonso downplayed the post-match altercations, attributing them to the emotional intensity of the moment. “It’s the tension of the moment, for them and us,” he said during a news conference. “These scuffles have always happened, not just in these games. A lot of things were happening in the game. It can be healthy, as long as there’s respect.”

Real Madrid’s midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni also weighed in on the situation, revealing that Yamal’s pre-match comments served as a motivational factor for the team. “Personally, I like it,” he stated. “They’re just words; there’s no bad intention. It motivates us a little bit more. If Lamine wants to talk, there’s no problem.”

The match itself was marked by significant refereeing decisions, as Madrid had an early penalty overturned and saw three goals ruled out for offside. The team was awarded a penalty later in the match following a handball by Eric García, though Kylian Mbappé‘s penalty was saved by Wojciech Szczęsny. Goals from Mbappé and Jude Bellingham secured the three points for Madrid, who now sit comfortably at the top of the LaLiga standings.