Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said he did not like a social media post from a club spokesman dismissing racist abuse of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and calling him a "clown" ahead of the Clasico Saturday.
The Brazilian forward was racially abused during his team's 1-1 draw Saturday at Sevilla, with the Andalusian club ejecting a fan from the stadium.
"It's not racism, (Vinicius) deserves a slap for being a clown," wrote Barca directors' board spokesman Mikel Camps on X, formerly Twitter, during Real’s win over Braga Tuesday.
"What do these unnecessary and meaningless stepovers represent in the center of the pitch?"
Camps later deleted his post but Spanish media say Real president Florentino Perez will not attend the Clasico Saturday in Barcelona in protest.
Xavi, speaking after his team's 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk Wednesday, said the comment added to the tension around the game, which he did not approve of.
"I don't have to say it, it's been deleted, that says enough, that's that," said Xavi.
"I don't like anything that raises the tension, not (Real attempts) to condition the referees, nor this 'tweet'. I like fair play, and mutual admiration."
Barca vice-president Rafa Yuste apologized to Vinicius.
"If Vinicius is listening to me, this will not be repeated," pledged Yuste on Movistar.
