Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Vinicius Jr’s behaviour at Real Madrid. The Brazilian forward was at the center of attention during Los Blancos’ El Clasico win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu last Sunday.
With Real Madrid leading 2-1, head coach Xabi Alonso made the decision to substitute Vinicius in the 72nd minute, bringing on Rodrygo. As soon as Vinicius’ number appeared for the substitution, drama unfolded. The forward was reportedly so frustrated by the decision that he allegedly told Alonso he would rather leave the club than endure such treatment from his manager.
In response to the incident, Vinicius issued an official apology through a statement. However, the 25-year-old notably omitted Alonso’s name, instead apologising only to his teammates, the club, and president Florentino Perez.
### Shaka Hislop Shares His Thoughts on Vinicius’ Apology
Discussing Vinicius’ decision to leave Alonso out of his apology, Hislop expressed that the player hasn’t done himself any favours by doing so. Speaking on ESPN FC, Hislop said:
> “As players [who once played the game], you want to sympathise [with Vinicius]. I thought Vinicius was playing well and I was as surprised as Vini himself about his number going up [for substitution]. During the game you are caught up in so much emotion that sometimes small things burn bigger than they should. That is the case with Vinicius here.”
He continued:
> “You could talk about some of his behaviour before as well, but one thing you cannot dispute is his talent. He sometimes feeds off that behaviour to become the player he is on the field. Let’s be honest, he is still one of the best players in the world. So you have to give him that leeway, which I think Xabi Alonso has done so far.”
### Taking Ownership Is Key, Says Hislop
Hislop insisted that once the heat of the moment cools down, players should take ownership of their behaviour. The former Trinidad and Tobago international added that if Vinicius was truly passionate about the club as he claims, he would support his coach’s decisions.
He stated:
> “But when things cool down, you have to take ownership [for your behaviour]. Why do players excuse bad behaviour for passion? Come out and say, ‘I’m emotional, sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn’t’. But don’t come out and say, [I do this] ‘because I’m passionate about the club’. That doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Hislop further commented:
> “If you are that passionate about the club, whatever the club, and in this case, the manager, asks you to do, you accept. I’m trying to side with Vinicius [on this behaviour and statement] but he has just taken it away from anyone who is trying to see his side of the story.”
### Vinicius Jr’s Official Apology
Vinicius, who has been linked with Saudi Pro League clubs in the past, has yet to renew his contract with Real Madrid beyond summer 2027.
In his apology shared via social media, Vinicius addressed his behaviour during the El Clasico, attributing it to his passion for the club. He also mentioned apologising in person during training. His full statement read:
> “Today I want to apologize to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president.
> Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.”
### Upcoming Fixtures
Real Madrid and Vinicius face Valencia in LaLiga this Saturday before their crucial Champions League clash with Liverpool at Anfield next week.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-why-players-excuse-bad-behaviour-passion-ex-premier-league-star-identifies-problem-real-madrid-star-vinicius-apology-statement