Atletico Madrid captain Koke has said Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior could be in for “trouble” in Sunday’s derby if he performs his post-scoring dance party.
The Brazil international has drawn criticism from fans and rival players for his displays of flamboyance and dance moves when celebrating, which some consider provocative.
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Asked if he would understand the reaction of the Atletico fans at the Wanda Metropolitano if Vinicius celebrated in his usual way, Koke said: “There would be trouble, of course. [that is] to be expected”.
But Koke said Vinicius, like any other player, was free to celebrate goals as he wished.
“If at the end he scores and decides to jump, well, that’s what he wants to do,” Koke said.
“Would I understand or not? Everyone has their own way of being and celebrating goals as they wish.”
Both Pele and the Brazilian Football Federation came to the defense of Vinicius and were critical of comments made by a player’s agent on a popular Spanish football show.
The agent later apologized for his comments, which Pele and the federation said they considered racist.
“Football is joy. It’s dancing. It’s truly a celebration. Even though racism still exists, we’re not going to let it stop us from continuing to smile.” wrote Pele. And we will continue to fight racism in this way, fighting for the right to be happy.”
The Brazilian federation also used the hashtag #DanceViniJr. AND has written: “There will be dancing, dribbling, but above all respect. On Thursday night (15), our athlete @vinijr was the target of racist statements. CBF stands in solidarity and supports: #BailaViniJr.”
The coach of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, has said that he does not understand the controversy surrounding Vinicius’ goal celebration.
“He is a Brazilian, he dances very well and I don’t think he worries anyone,” said Ancelotti.
“He doesn’t need to change anything about his attitude because he respects his rivals and the referee a lot.
“He is a special player because of the way he plays, although sometimes, because of his way of playing, rivals can get angry.”
Barcelona coach Xavi was asked about Vinicius’ dancing in a press conference on Friday and said the players can celebrate however they want as long as they don’t “show disrespect”.
“Each person celebrates things the way they want,” said Xavi.
“When you score a goal, you are euphoric and for each person it goes as it goes.
“For me, it’s always been a party with my teammates, because I understood that football is a collective game, a team game, and if I scored, it was thanks to my teammates.
“The first thing that came to my mind was to go and hug the first teammate I found — maybe being cautious, shy.
“Each person should celebrate as they wish, but without showing disrespect.”
Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar, meanwhile, has encouraged his national team-mate Vinicius to keep dancing after scoring.
All the time! 🕺🏾😂 https://t.co/VjjN9MtwwV pic.twitter.com/B4K08fLs10
– Vini Jr. (@vinijr) September 16, 2022
Neymar, who was left furious after being penalized for celebrating his goal in PSG’s 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League, posted on Twitter: “DANCE VINI Jr.”
The Brazilian star had other advice for Vinicius, writing in an Instagram post: “Dribble, jump and be you. Happy as you are. Keep it up my son, next goal we dance.”
Vinicius responded to Neymar’s comments on Twitter with the word “always” and a picture of the couple dancing when they played for Brazil.
Atletico go into Sunday’s league clash five points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid after five games played.
