Vinicius Jr.’s sending-off is the topic of discussion, stealing all the limelight in Madrid, and understandably so, given how the foul was absolutely unnecessary.
As a result of his moment of madness, the player now stands to miss El Clasico and will likely be unavailable for three games for Los Blancos.
The player, however, has no one to blame for his situation but himself. For starters, the offense was blatantly red-card worthy, and he only made matters worse with his reaction and outburst.
What Vinicius Jr. said
Moments before disaster. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The series of events that led to the player’s red card was extraordinary, with him scoring a goal, celebrating wildly, even with the manager, Jose Mourinho, who ran halfway across the field.
The referee ruled out the goal and showed the player the red card after VAR intervention, and DAZN via The Touchline now bring to light what Vinicius said after that to aggravate the punishment.
“Red? Red? Why are you doing this?,” the player reportedly shouted at the referee immediately after being sent off.
Midfield star Jude Bellingham then joined the scene with a strong statement against the referee as well, as he said,
“This isn’t football anymore.”
Heading towards the dressing room, the player then hit out at the match officials’ decision with anger, “What madness!.”
“Sh*t league!,” he added.
An added punishment
Vinicius could miss up to four games. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
There are two elements of Vinicius’ sending off mentioned in the referee’s report that will dictate the punishment he faces – the offense itself and the player’s reaction to the red card.
Ideally, his suspension with a red card for hair-pulling would only be for two games, but the player’s violent conduct and words after being sent off aggravate his crime.
As a result of the same, he could well face an extended sanction that may extend up to four games – something that comes as a massive blow for Real Madrid.
His participation in the Clasico is ruled out at this point, but Mourinho and Co. will hope the player’s reaction is forgiven and the punishment is lightened. If he indeed misses four games, he will be out against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Club and Valencia.