Mourinho decries alleged bullying of Vinicius in Real’s win at Espanyol

Real ‌Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has accused opponents and supporters of bullying Vinicius Junior after ⁠the Brazilian winger was ⁠targeted with rough treatment in the club’s opening 2-1 La Liga win at Espanyol .

Real, who kicked off Mourinho’s return to the club with ⁠a late victory on Saturday, were furious inside the opening five minutes when Alex Calatrava brought down Vinicius from behind and then appeared to catch him again while the forward was ⁠on the ground.

Madrid’s players appealed for a red card, but the referee took no action against Calatrava, who later scored Espanyol’s equaliser after Jude Bellingham had put Real ahead.

Late Real substitute Carlo Espi struck in the 90th minute to give the visitors victory.

Mourinho said the treatment of ‌Vinicius had become a recurring theme.

“Vinicius is no saint, but what they’re doing to him was too much. Right from the first minute. It’s a pattern that repeats itself from one opponent to the next,” Mourinho said.

“I’ll give him one, now you give him one. If I get a yellow card, you give him one. If I’m substituted, another player comes on who hasn’t been booked yet, and you ⁠give him one.”

The Portuguese coach said Vinicius, who has often been ⁠the focus of abuse from rival defenders and crowds, needed to stay composed despite the provocation.