It's a response — Ancelotti defends Vinicius after another stadium incident

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had come to the defence of his star winger Vinicius, following the wave of criticism that ensued in the aftermath of Real Madrid's triumph over Real Sociedad. 

Real Madrid registered a hard-fought 2-0 victory against La Reale this past weekend, thanks to goals from Vinicius Kylian Mbappe, with the Brazilian scoring the opener. 

After scoring from the penalty spot in the 58th minute to give Los Blancos the lead, the 24-year-old gestured for the home crowd at the Reale Arena to 'shush’, with his index finger pressed against his lips. 

The incident has generated controversy in Spain, with many criticising the winger for taunting rival fans.

Speaking in a press conference today, Ancelotti was questioned about Vinicius’s action. The Italian immediately took to the defence of his star forward, telling reporters the former Flamengos winger was only responding to provocation from the Real Sociedad fans in the stands. 

"It's a reaction to a very ugly action,” Ancelotti said. “Insults... nobody could stand it, I couldn't either. The gesture of putting one's hand to one's mouth is normal, given everything that is happening."

This is not the Brazilian’s first feud with away fans in the stadium, as he is regularly subjected to provocative chants. Last season, he was racially abused by Valencia fans at the Mestalla.