A Real Madrid fan’s dream trip turned into a bitter ordeal after he and his 18-year-old son were escorted out of the stands at Camp Nou during Real Madrid's 2–1 victory over Barcelona. The pair were ultimately forced to finish watching the match on a mobile phone in the back of a taxi after being removed for celebrating Kylian Mbappe’s goal.
Speaking in an interview with MARCA, Frantisek Vavrek, a Real Madrid supporter from Slovakia, explained that he had organized the trip to give his son, Denis, an unforgettable birthday gift for his first El Clasico. Vavrek insisted that he and his son merely stood up and hugged after the goal, denying any intention to provoke the home crowd or wave their shirts at local supporters.
The costly birthday trip
The trip was meant to mark a double celebration: Denis turned 18 on September 5, and a family friend celebrated his birthday that same week. Vavrek stated that he purchased four first-class tickets through a Slovakian travel agency for €5,600 - totaling €1,400 per ticket. He and his son attended the match alongside his friend and his friend's son, both of whom are Barcelona fans.
Tensions at stadium security
According to Vavrek, the tension began at the stadium entry control, where security staff informed them that entering in Real Madrid jerseys was strictly prohibited. When he asked what he should do with his shirt, security personnel pointed toward nearby trash cans. Refusing to comply, Vavrek recalled telling his son: "We are Real Madrid fans. We will never throw our shirt in the trash."
The father and son kept their jerseys hidden under their clothes until reaching their seats roughly 20 minutes before kickoff. Vavrek noted that they wore their shirts openly for about an hour before security intervened, disputing claims that they only revealed them following Mbappe's goal.
Escorted out of the stands
The situation came to a head around the 40th minute. "We committed no act of violence, threatened no one, and did not incite violence. We simply celebrated a goal by standing up and hugging," Vavrek argued. He described being escorted out of the stands by roughly ten security officers while facing whistles and offensive gestures from surrounding spectators.
Initially, security officials indicated they could return to their seats if they removed the team jerseys. However, after consulting a supervisor, officers informed the pair that they would not be allowed back into the stands. According to Vavrek, officials stated that numerous fans had already identified them and that their safety could no longer be guaranteed in those seats. No alternative seating was offered.
Police intervention and aftermath
Police subsequently intervened, checking their identification and logging the incident. Vavrek claimed that the police reports contained allegations regarding the display of team jerseys and provocation toward Barcelona fans, along with a possible reference to violent conduct or incitement. He firmly rejects all allegations, demanding a full review of stadium security footage and witness statements.
The security checks took approximately 45 minutes, during which Vavrek tracked the match on his phone. While he requested an immediate explanation and a refund, staff directed him to file a formal complaint directly with FC Barcelona. As of publication, he has not received a refund nor submitted a formal written complaint.
"I don't want to stir up hatred between Real Madrid and Barcelona fans. I'm not asking for free tickets or special treatment," Vavrek clarified. He added that when his Barcelona-supporting friend called offering to leave the match with them, Vavrek urged him to stay and enjoy the rest of the game.
"The father and son took a taxi back to their apartment, streaming El Clásico on their phones along the way." Vavrek shared that they cheered so loudly during one play that they startled the driver.
"Before the trip, I promised Denis he would never forget his first Clasico. I kept that promise. Neither of us will ever forget this day - unfortunately, not for the reasons I imagined as a father," he concluded.