Vinicius Jr Apologises After Red Card in Real Madrid Win Over Villarreal
Vinicius Jr has apologised to Real Madrid’s players and supporters after his late red card in Sunday’s 1-0 La Liga win over Villarreal, with the forward now awaiting a Spanish Football Federation disciplinary decision.
VAR overturn turns a second goal into a dismissal
The 26-year-old Brazil international entered in the 52nd minute as Madrid tried to protect their slender lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.
His night changed 20 minutes later. Vinicius thought he had scored Madrid’s second goal, but the referee was directed to the pitchside monitor before the strike could stand. Video footage showed the forward pulling Villarreal player Nathan Saliba’s hair during the move.
The goal was not awarded and Vinicius was sent off immediately for violent conduct, leaving Madrid to see out the closing stages with 10 men. The decision stunned the home support, but the hosts held on for the victory.
- Madrid led Villarreal 1-0 when Vinicius was brought on in the 52nd minute.
- Vinicius appeared to add a late second after around 20 minutes on the field.
- VAR called the referee to review an incident involving Saliba.
- The goal was wiped out and Vinicius received a straight red card for pulling his opponent’s hair.
- After the match, the Brazilian accepted responsibility in a social-media apology.
RFEF ruling will determine Clasico availability
The case will now go before the RFEF, which treats hair-pulling as violent conduct. Article 130 governs violent actions that do not directly injure an opponent.
The usual punishment under that provision is a ban of between one and three matches. Madrid therefore face an anxious wait over the length of the suspension.
The timing is significant. Their next three league fixtures are against Sevilla, Barcelona and Racing Santander. A two-game suspension or longer would keep Vinicius out of the October 25 trip to Camp Nou for El Clasico.
Key takeaways
- Vinicius was dismissed after a VAR review during Madrid’s 1-0 win over Villarreal.
- His apparent late goal was disallowed before the referee produced the red card.
- The forward has apologised, but the disciplinary process remains pending.
- A suspension of one to three games is possible under Article 130.
- Barcelona away is at risk if the punishment reaches at least two league matches.
