Sidelined with a hamstring injury, Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has sparked anger among a section of the club's supporters after a holiday in Sardinia, triggering a fresh media storm ahead of Sunday's Clasico against Barcelona.For many Madrid fans, the striker's Italian getaway - during rest days granted by Real Madrid to injured players, including Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois and Arda Guler - was the final straw.

United behind a shared image showing Mbappe with a "Fuera (out)" stamp over his face - originally posted by a satirical account and reposted in the comments section of Real Madrid's official posts - some fans are openly calling for the French superstar to leave.An online petition has also been circulating on social networks, urging Madrid fans to "make their voices heard".

"If you believe change is necessary, do not remain silent: sign this petition and defend what you believe is best for the future of the club," it reads.Fuel was added to the fire by widely shared photos of Mbappe alongside actress Ester Exposito, posted on social media as Real Madrid were preparing for a crucial La Liga match against Espanyol last weekend in an effort to delay Barcelona's title celebrations.

Real Madrid won that match 2–0, and coach Alvaro Arbeloa later insisted that "each player does what they consider appropriate in their free time" and that it was "none of my business". However, several of his comments were perceived as indirect criticism of his leading scorer.

"We didn't build Real Madrid with players who play in tuxedos, but with players who finish matches with shirts full of sweat and mud, through effort and sacrifice," he said. Madrid is "a club where, fortunately, no player has ever been, is, or ever will be bigger than Real Madrid," added Arbeloa.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)