Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was sent off for violent conduct after pulling the hair of Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba during their La Liga match on Saturday. The incident occurred just before the winger scored what would have been his second goal of the game, but after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, the goal was disallowed and Vinicius received a straight red card.
The referee, Isidro Diaz de Mera, was called over to review the incident following the goal celebration. Upon seeing Vinicius Jr grabbing Saliba’s hair while sprinting down the field, the official rescinded the goal and immediately dismissed the Brazilian winger in the 73rd minute. The sending off left Real Madrid with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Vinicius Jr reacted angrily, shouting at the referee while his teammates tried to calm him down. The match report from Diaz de Mera noted that after receiving the red card, Vinicius “protested my decision, raising his voice, toward where I was standing in an aggressive manner, and being held back by teammates.”
The sending off sparked tension on the sidelines as well. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho had been involved in heated exchanges during the game, already having received a yellow card. After the match, Mourinho refused to attend the customary post-match press conference. Reports suggest he was concerned that commenting on the incident might lead to a suspension. Members of the coaching staff had to restrain him multiple times during the game as decisions went against his team.
Vinicius Jr had come on as a second-half substitute, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold shortly before Villarreal’s Yan Diamonde scored the only goal of the match, putting Madrid ahead. However, the winger lasted just 20 minutes on the pitch before his dismissal.
Villarreal defender Juan Foyth commented on the incident, saying, “I don’t think he meant to hurt anyone but it is a red card.” Despite being down to ten men, Real Madrid managed to maintain their lead and held on for a 1-0 victory.
Vinicius Jr later issued a brief statement on Instagram, writing: “Sorry to my team and my fans,” but made no apology to Saliba.
The red card carries a mandatory one-match suspension, and Vinicius Jr could face further punishment depending on the disciplinary commission’s decision. This could rule him out of the highly anticipated El Clasico when Real Madrid visit league leaders Barcelona in two games’ time.
According to Yahoo Sports.
