Vinicius Junior alleged that he is being treated by referees and wants more protection for players like himself, Lamine Yamal and Julian Alvarez.
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Vinicius accuses referees of targeting him, Mourinho flays timing of Real Madrid star’s four-match ban decision
In one lineReal Madrid’s Vinicius Junior slams referees over a four-match ban for hair pulling, while coach Jose Mourinho questions the timing.Key highlights• Four-Match Ban ControversyVinicius received a four-match suspension, including the El Clasico against Barcelona, after pulling an opponent’s hair during a win against Villarreal.• Player Protection ConcernsThe forward argued that referees target attacking players like himself, Lamine Yamal, and Julian Alvarez while offering insufficient protection against fouls.• Mourinho Slams TimingReal Madrid coach Jose Mourinho heavily criticised the decision to announce the suspension just two hours before a crucial match kickoff.Key statisticsFourLeague match suspension length500Fouls received by ViniciusFiveRed cards resulting from foulsProcessed with AI. Reviewed by DH Digital Team.
The Real Madrid forward has been banned for four league matches, including the El Clasico against Barcelona, after pulling the hair of an opponent in their 1-0 La Liga win over Villarreal.
“I don’t recall any other player receiving a four-match suspension. I tried to move the player in front of me out of the way, and I ended up getting caught in his hair,” said Vinicius after Real’s 4-3 come-from-behind win at Roma in the Champions League.
The match against Roma came hours after he was handed a four-game suspension in La Liga after being sent off for pulling the hair of an opponent and for protesting against the referee.
“That was it – a red card – which is why I was so surprised. I didn’t say a single offensive word to the referee that would warrant a four-match ban. But when it comes to Vini, it’s all too easy.
“The opposing team will always say it’s justified, and the press will say the same. I understand that. I’m here to keep evolving and improving, because I know where I’ve come from and what I’m capable of achieving,” Vinicius added.
“It’s understandable for the opposing fans to jeer me, because my job is to score goals against their team, but I don’t get the referees.
“I’ve seen the stats: I’ve been on the receiving end of 500 fouls, yet that has only resulted in five red cards. In the end, the yellow cards always seem to go to Vini, to the attacking players. We need to protect the players who bring something different to the game, like Lamine at Barcelona or Julian at Atletico. Defenders are allowed to foul me the entire match but in the end it’s me who gets the card.”
Mourinho slams decision
Real coach Jose Mourinho complained of the timing of the announcement of the suspension.
“Do you think it’s normal for a player from a Spanish team, preparing for an important match that’s also crucial for Spanish football, to find out about his four-match suspension just two hours before kick-off?” Mourinho said.
“We were on the bus about to arrive at the stadium when we found out … they’ve started doing things without any shame.”