Real Madrid's Vinícius Junior has been handed a four-game suspension for his red card during the LaLiga match against Villarreal and will miss this month's crucial Clásico against Barcelona.
The Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee announced on Wednesday that the Madrid forward received a two-game ban for violent conduct—for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair—and an additional two games for his angry reaction to the referee's decision.
The incident occurred moments after Vinícius had seemingly scored from a Jude Bellingham pass. However, a VAR review led to the goal being disallowed and the azilian international being shown a straight red card. The suspension applies only to domestic competitions, allowing him to play in the Champions League match against Roma.
After the match, Vinícius apologized to fans on social media but also questioned the timing of the ban's announcement. "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," he said. "I've never been violent towards another player."
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho also criticized the timing. "The question for the committee is why they released the punishment in this moment," Mourinho told Movistar. "Why they do it two hours before an important game for Real Madrid."
As a result, Vinícius will miss Madrid's upcoming LaLiga matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia. He will be eligible to return to league play after the November international eak.
Source: Sports Reports
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