Madrid: Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior found themselves at the centre of fresh controversy on Sunday as Atlético Madrid supporters took aim at the two Real Madrid stars during the build-up to the Madrid derby, days after the pair were involved in a disputed Ceuta solidarity gesture.

Atlético fans displayed a banner at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano that read, 'Ceuta is part of Spain, we do not hide it or downplay it,” in an apparent reference to the controversy involving the Real Madrid forwards. The episode added another flashpoint to an already intense Madrid derby.

The controversy dates back to Real Madrid's LaLiga clash against Elche on September 15. Mbappé, Vinícius and Ibrahima Konaté were among the players who wore shirts carrying the slogan 'Todos somos caballas’, meaning 'We are all mackerels', in support of people in Ceuta.

However, the three players partially covered the message and removed the shirts before the pre-match protocol was completed.

The gesture triggered criticism in Spain, including from some Real Madrid supporters.

A Real Madrid supporters' group called for Mbappé and his teammates to apologise for their decision not to fully display the message.

Real Madrid subsequently defended its players' freedom to make their own choices regarding the campaign.

The club said it respected individual decisions, while Mbappé later explained that his actions were not intended as a rejection of Ceuta's residents.

The French forward said he wanted to show solidarity both with people in Ceuta and with migrants who had lost their lives, explaining that he did not want one group's suffering to overshadow another's.

The controversy resurfaced ahead of Sunday's derby, with Atlético supporters directing their displeasure towards two of Real Madrid's biggest stars.

The incident has added a political and social dimension to the rivalry between the two Madrid clubs.