Real Madrid: Vinicius torpedoed by the media for his “ridiculous” hair pulling, and suspended for the Clasico?

Vinicius Junior only had a few seconds to enjoy his first goal since the end of August with Real Madrid (71st), during another sluggish match in La Liga against Villarreal on Saturday (1-0, goal by Yan Diomandé). Because the new blow from the Brazilian striker, guilty of pulling the hair of his opponent Nathan Saliba at the start of the Madrid counter-attack, was not likely to escape the VAR. Thanks to the help of his video assistants, Isidro Diaz de Mera did not hesitate to cancel “Vini”’s goal… on the contrary, sending him off on a red card directly in view of the images.

If Real's number 7 (entered the game in the 52nd minute on Saturday) yelled at the referee, to strongly contest this decision, and if José Mourinho distinguished himself by boycotting the post-match conference, which exposed him to sanctions, the Spanish media did not question this Sunday at all this exclusion, described everywhere as "justified".

A “violent gesture” that will be expensive?

Mundo Deportivo has fun talking about “a far-fetched victory”, while Sport speaks of a “ridiculous red card from Vinicius”. At the same time, how could these pro-Barça media not relish yet another hiccup for Vinicius Junior, in total distress for many months? But even on Radio Marca (pro-Real), refereeing consultant Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes is categorical: the goal was “rightly refused” for “a blatant hair pulling on Saliba”, described as a “violent gesture”.

As for the person concerned, he certainly asked “forgiveness to his team and the supporters” on his Instagram account, but while relaying a story compiling screenshots of faults suffered by the Brazilian and not punished. With the caption: “The one who always receives a yellow and a red is Vinicius, what a shame”.

Vinicius not spared in referee's report

It is difficult to see, given Vinicius' astonishing fault, how he could escape at least two games of suspension in La Liga. Consequently, the Brazilian should be deprived of the Clasico on the pitch of FC Barcelona, ​​​​on October 25 on the occasion of the 10th day of the championship. Especially since in his report, relayed by Marca, Isidoro Diaz de Mera clearly indicated that Vinicius had “continued to protest against the decision, shouting and approaching with an aggressive attitude”, and even that he “had to be restrained by his teammates”.