Unavailable for the first time since joining Real Madrid, the LaLiga behemoths have dissuaded their latest Galactico, Kylian Mbappe, from travelling to support his teammates.
Mbappe missed the Madrid derby against Atletico through a thigh injury, but still planned to head to the Metropolitano to show his support.
However, L’Equipe has reported that Real intervened and persuaded the France captain not to do so over fears of crowd trouble.
Atleti fans have infamously clashed with Vinicius Jr in recent years, culminating in a disgusting effigy of the Brazilian hanging from a bridge in the city.
Discussing fears over more poor behaviour ahead of the derby, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo said: “I think one thing is very clear. At Atlético de Madrid I don’t consider there to be anyone who is a racist of any kind.
“It is an organised fan base that, like all fanbases, has groups that cause all kinds of issues.
“We are always in favour of tranquillity, of games being played well, people go with their children, with their families, with their friends, to see a football match, not a war.”
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