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Vinicius joined Real Madrid in 2018 from Brazilian side Flamengo Thibaut Courtois has urged spectators to show more "respect" after Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Jr was targeted by rival supporters during his side's 3-0 win away to Athletic Club in Bilbao on Wednesday. The Brazilian reacted to sections of the San Mames crowd with a "three-goal" gesture during the second half of the La Liga fixture, in reference to the scoreline. Vinicius has been the target of racist abuse in Spain, with five people handed suspended prison sentences earlier this year for racism directed at the 25-year-old during a fixture in 2022. Ronald Araujo, who plays for Real's great rivals Barcelona, was granted a leave of absence earlier this week to prioritise his mental health and Courtois says supporters must bear in mind the wellbeing of players they target. "At the end of the day, we're people, we're human - we're not machines. Look at what happened with Araujo, " said Real goalkeeper Courtois. "In the end, everyone ends up like that. But if you look at what happened after [Barcelona's] game against Chelsea, the abuse he [Araujo] received on social media and all that. .. that's where it all starts. " Courtois stressed that criticism and rivalry are part of football, but insisted there is a line that should not be crossed. "I like the banter in games, but I don't think it always has to involve insults, " he said. "It creates a good atmosphere, but I think there's been a bit of a lack of respect, because we're human beings. " Courtois' comments come amid a renewed debate in Spain about player protection and the rise of abuse both inside stadiums and online. Courtois's defence of his team-mate echoes earlier calls from Real Madrid for stronger action against discrimination and personal insults directed at players. Real Madrid's win against Athletic Club means they now sit just one point behind league leaders Barcelona. Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone 'No more Average Joe as Root century seals all-time great status' Premier League: Build-up to Man Utd v West Ham United Trump and Infantino - too close for comfort? Jon Bon Jovi shares his favourite records Get ready for The War Between the Land and the Sea Harry, Jennie and Marc look back on a dramatic Qatar Grand Prix Robbie Savage takes on his first football manager job 'No more Average Joe as Root century seals all-time great status' Trump and Infantino - too close for comfort? 'I'm too driven. .. I never settle for not good enough' - Verstappen in-depth on title race Who has the most and least gruelling December among Premier League teams? The World Cup draw is here - this is how it will work Leeds stun Chelsea to end four-game losing streak. Video Leeds stun Chelsea to end four-game losing streak Mukiele own goal hands Liverpool draw with Sunderland. Video Mukiele own goal hands Liverpool draw with Sunderland What's on Nancy's Celtic to-do list? A draw with a winner? The routes to northern glory at 2027 World Cup Success in 2025 - are the Lionesses ready for 2026? Where F1 title may be won and lost in three-way fight 'As if she won Champions League' - Kendall's special night for England Eleven and hell - the cost of Newcastle's dropped points Phoebe's Five - top moments from NFL week 13. Video Phoebe's Five - top moments from NFL week 13 BBC to show Sabalenka v Kyrgios in 'Battle of Sexes' 'A fearless hero for hapless England' - Robin Smith obituary What's behind snooker's 147 boom? '150th Open champion Smith needs more than a cool number plate' When F1 title has gone to a final-race three-way fight 'Raise hell' - the fastest bowler you might not have heard of Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.