“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.