Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has been handed a four-match suspension following his red card against Villarreal in LaLiga. The Brazilian will miss several domestic games, including this month’s El Clásico against Barcelona.
The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee confirmed the punishment on Wednesday. According to ESPN, Vinícius received a two-match ban for violent conduct after pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair during Saturday’s game at the Santiago Bernabéu. He was given another two-match suspension for his reaction to the sending-off.
What Happened During Real Madrid vs Villarreal?
The incident took place when Vinícius appeared to have scored Real Madrid’s second goal after receiving a pass from Jude Bellingham. However, a VAR review ruled out the goal, and the Brazilian was sent off for pulling Saliba’s hair.
The dismissal added to a difficult start to the season for Vinícius, who had scored just once for Real Madrid. Head coach José Mourinho had also left the forward out of the starting XI for the Villarreal match.
Vinícius Questions Timing Of Suspension
Vinícius expressed his frustration with the timing of the announcement after Real Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Brazilian questioned why the decision came just as the team arrived at the stadium. He also insisted that he had never deliberately acted violently towards another player.
“They had all day to announce the suspension, yet just as we arrived at the stadium, I was told I’m out for four league games,” Vinícius said.
He also raised concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding hair-pulling incidents, claiming that players had not received a proper explanation of the rule from LaLiga and the referees’ association.
“We’ve never had this [hair pulling] explained to us. Someone from La Liga and the referees’ association always comes to explain the rules, but never this specific point. It was a red card for me, simple as that… I’ve never been violent towards another player. I get hit quite a lot, yet the cards end up going to me,” he added.
Vinícius Available For Champions League Matches
The suspension applies only to domestic competitions, meaning Vinícius remains available for Real Madrid’s Champions League fixtures.
Mourinho was therefore able to include the Brazilian in the starting XI for Wednesday’s match against Roma. He will also be eligible to play against RB Leipzig on October 21 and AEK on November 4.
However, the four-match domestic ban means Real Madrid will have to manage without one of their key attacking players for the upcoming LaLiga fixtures, including the highly anticipated clash against Barcelona.