Real Madrid have supported their squad's right to express differing views after Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr covered up a display of solidarity with the people of Ceuta before Tuesday's La Liga game against Elche.
Both teams entered the pitch wearing t-shirts bearing the words "Todos somos caballas" ("We are all mackerels"), a nickname for inhabitants of the Spanish territory of Ceuta. Mbappe and Vinicius hitched their shirts up to chest level, making the slogan unreadable, before removing them completely as they left the tunnel. Teammate Ibrahima Konate carried his shirt in his hands.
The gesture followed more than 70,000 irregular crossings into Ceuta from Morocco recorded during July, which triggered solidarity movements across Spain. A Real Madrid representative told Reuters the club agreed to Elche's request to wear the shirts but, as an organisation, respects individual opinions and gave players the freedom to decide whether to take part.
Real previously staged a tifo display in their singing section during last Tuesday's Champions League match against Inter Milan, with supporters holding up placards depicting the Ceuta flag. The garment initiative was backed by the Valencian Business Association, though Barcelona opted against wearing the shirts during Sunday's fixture against Levante.
On Monday, Moroccan international Ez Abde was targeted with abusive social media posts after wearing the top ahead of Real Betis' game against Villarreal. Abde said he would not apologise, explaining the message supported a community and social cause rather than carrying political intent.
Real Madrid won Tuesday's match, edging a five-goal thriller thanks to a stoppage-time winner. Jose Mourinho's men had moved into a two-goal lead through a Matias Dituro own goal and an Mbappe strike, but Elche levelled with seven minutes remaining via Abiel Osorio and Fer Nino. Carlos Espi tapped home an unselfish Mbappe pass to rescue the win.