\n<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Courtois stressed that criticism and rivalry are part of football, but insisted there is a line that should not be crossed.<\/p>\n
“I like the banter in games, but I don’t think it always has to involve insults,” he said. <\/p>\n
“It creates a good atmosphere, but I think there’s been a bit of a lack of respect, because we’re human beings.”<\/p>\n
Courtois’ comments come amid a renewed debate in Spain about player protection and the rise of abuse both inside stadiums and online. <\/p>\n
Courtois’s defence of his team-mate echoes earlier calls from Real Madrid<\/a> for stronger action against discrimination and personal insults directed at players.<\/p>\n Real Madrid’s win against Athletic Club means they now sit just one point behind league leaders Barcelona. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n