Ex-Barcelona striker blasts Vinicius Jr, saying Real Madrid star is 'unbearable'

On his return, he was involved in the post-match brawl which saw several Madrid players target Lamine Yamal, who had made inflammatory remarks before the match towards the capital club.

Dugarry – Vinicius Jr disrespected his coach

Dugarry was enthusiastic about the performance of fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, who opened the scoring and was a constant threat to Barcelona's defense, but had nothing but criticism of Vinicius Jr.

He said: “I loved Mbappé's game, both his attitude and his behavior. Unlike Vinicius, who is unbearable. He always complains about the referee and his rivals. Now he lacks respect for his coach.”

Vinicius Jr has struggled to replicate his best form over the past 12 months – ever since losing out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the voting for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Dugarry, who made seven appearances for Barca in the 1997-98 season and won 55 caps for France, added: “You might be disappointed. [to be taken off]but that goes too far. Go away, man, your performance is not up to par.

“It bothers me, he cries constantly, he always asks for something. He is still far from his level of recent seasons. He was a future Ballon d'Or, a leader of Brazil, one of the best in Real Madrid. He must prove something more if he wants to return to the same level.

“[Real Madrid president] Florentino Pérez will get rid of him.

Kroos defends Vini under fire

Vinicius Jr, however, received words of support from one of his former teammates.

Toni Kroos, who retired last year after a brilliant career at the Bernabeu, said: “When you play an exceptional match, especially in a match like this, at least you are not happy. [at being substituted]. I never liked being substituted either, although to be honest I never went to the dressing room straight after being sent off.

“It's easy to judge from the outside. I like to keep in mind that in reality, those who participate in a Clasico, in front of 80,000 spectators and with the score 2-1, want everything but to leave. Nobody can judge and imagine this emotion.”

Alonso confirmed after the match that he would discuss Vinicius' reaction with the player, but Kroos believes the coach will show a lot of understanding.

“The anger could stay a little longer,” added the former German international midfielder.

“I understand his anger, but as you can see from the images, it is not conveyed in the ideal way. However, I would like to point out that it is an emotionally exceptional situation to be there in such a match. I have experienced it several times, so you don't always have to take everything seriously. Coaches usually don't do that either. Especially those who were players.”