Levante captain Unai Elgezabal has accused Vinicius Junior of 'disrespect' after a heated exchange with the Real Madrid forward. The centre-back said he reached the point he had had 'enough' following a confrontation with the Brazilian during Madrid's 4-1 win in Tuesday's La Liga clash at the Ciutat de Valencia.
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Elgezabal explains on-field spat with Vinicius
The flashpoint came in the 63rd minute, just before Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty to make it 3-1 in Madrid's favour. Elgezabal, who had given away the spot-kick, clashed with Vinícius on the edge of the box after the winger brushed past him, touching him on the chest and face while saying something. Already booked for a hard challenge on the Brazilian earlier, the Levante captain reacted, and a minor scuffle broke out before players calmed the situation down.
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'Enough is enough' – Levante captain hits back
Speaking after the game, Elgezabal said: "I don't want to add fuel to the fire either. But it's true that when we're disrespected, not just us, but the fans, the team we represent, because we're also people, and I think we have to say enough is enough. I know he's a player with a lot of potential, but there are different situations that I don't handle as a person."
He added: "I think I defend and transmit values that sometimes have to be said enough. It wasn't the time for that; for me, it was out of place. I don't want to give it any more hype; I'd rather leave it there. I defend my people, and that's as far as I can go."
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Not the first time Vinicius has been criticised for on-field behaviour
This is not the first time the Brazilian has been called out for his behaviour on the pitch. He has regularly clashed with opponents and opposing fans in La Liga and was booked for dissent on several occasions last season. The Real Madrid winger was also banned for two league matches after being sent off against Valencia, when he shoved goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the back of the neck in January.
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Vinicius shines in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win
Despite the heated exchange, Vinicius had a decisive role against Levante, scoring once and assisting another as Madrid made it six wins from six to stay top of La Liga. Levante, meanwhile, sit 16th with just one win in six games. Xabi Alonso's side now turns their focus to the derby against Atletico set to be played on September 27.
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