THE deputy spokesperson for Barcelona's board of directors has astonishingly denied that Vinicius Jr has been the subject of racist abuse.
He has also claimed that the Real Madrid star "deserves a slap" for merely performing skill on the pitch.
The Barcelona staff member – named Mikel Camps – launched the stinging attack on Vinicius Jr in a now-deleted tweet.
He wrote: "It's not racism, he deserves a slap for being a clown.
"What do these unnecessary and meaningless stepovers represent in the centre of the field?"
Following the tweet, Barcelona director Rafa Yuste admitted that Camps' social media post was out of line.
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He said: "If Vinicius is listening to me, I tell him that this will not happen again.
"Even if it was a slip of the tongue it shouldn’t have happened. It was an unfortunate tweet."
Vinicius Jr has repeatedly been the subject of racist abuse from opposition fans during his time at Real Madrid.
He was abused by home supporters during a match at Valencia in May, with the LaLiga club subsequently fined £23,500 and handed a three-game partial stadium closure.
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The winger was racially abused again during last weekend's match at Sevilla.
After the fan was removed, a club statement read: "Sevilla FC condemns all racist and xenophobic behaviour and will work closely with the authorities to ensure that action is taken accordingly. This behaviour does not belong at Sevilla FC.
"The individual will also be subject to the club's vigorous internal disciplinary protocols and have their membership revoked."
Vinicius Jr later praised the Andalusian club for taking quick action.
He wrote on social media: "Congratulations to Sevilla for their quick positioning and punishment in yet another sad episode for Spanish football.
"Unfortunately, I had access to a video of another racist act in this Saturday's match, this time carried out by a child.
"I am very sorry that there is no one to educate you. I invest, and I invest a lot, in education in Brazil to form citizens with attitudes different from these.
"The face of today's racist is plastered on websites as on many other occasions.
"I hope the Spanish authorities do their part and change the legislation once and for all. These people must be criminally punished too.
"It would be a great first step in preparing for the 2030 World Cup. I'm available to help.
"Sorry to seem repetitive, but this is isolated episode number 19. And counting…"
Camps' now-deleted tweet was posted with the latest El Clasico match on the horizon.
Barcelona will host Real Madrid this Saturday, with Vinicius Jr set to be in action.
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Real Madrid currently top the table with 25 points after ten games, level with high-flying Girona.
Barca are third, a point behind the duo in front.
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