Frenkie de Jong did not mince words after a fiery Clásico erupted into a post-match scuffle, laying the blame squarely at Dani Carvajal for needlessly provoking Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal.
What began as a charged encounter on the pitch spilled over after Real Madrid’s 2-1 win, and De Jong says the spectacle could — and should — have been avoided.
A flashpoint in a heated match
Real Madrid’s victory, sealed by Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham with Fermín López’s reply between them, left tempers raw.
Yamal, already the target of whistles all game because of midweek comments, was confronted by Carvajal in a moment that inflamed players on both benches and sent staff onto the turf.
De Jong’s take was blunt: if Carvajal had a problem, he should have taken it off the field and handled it privately rather than manufacture a scene in front of thousands.
Context and controversy
Yamal’s remarks on a popular YouTube show about perceived refereeing favours toward Madrid had landed him squarely in the Bernabéu crosshairs. De Jong argued those comments were distorted and reassured that Yamal never directly accused Madrid of robbery.
He also called the reaction “exaggerated,” urging perspective on a young player who is still learning to navigate hostile atmospheres.
Protection, pressure and perspective
Barça’s coaching staff and teammates rallied around Yamal, noting he’s only just returned from a groin injury and needs time and support. Assistant coach Marcus Sorg highlighted the practical challenges the teenager faces when opponents double up on him and crowd his space.
De Jong stressed collective responsibility: the club must protect and nurture an 18-year-old still finding his rhythm at the highest level
Madrid’s take and the aftermath
Xabi Alonso played down the incident as the tension of the moment, calling such scuffles part of the game’s history as long as respect remains. Others in the Madrid dressing room framed Yamal’s remarks as added motivation rather than provocation.
Whatever the interpretation, the clash has left two clear takeaways: emotions run deep in Clásicos, and a teenager’s words can ignite a stadium — for better or worse.
