Real Madrid face a major blow as Vinicius Jr.’s red card against Villarreal may cost him the El Clasico versus Barcelona.
Referee Isidro Diaz de Mera filed the final match report to the disciplinary commission, recording that Vinicius Junior launched an angry tirade at the referee and officials after receiving a red card for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair.
“Vinicius, after being dismissed and staying on the field, kept shouting at my decision, storming toward me with aggression, and teammates had to hold him back, unable to make sense of his words,” the report read.
Vinicius Jr.’s recent performances have disappointed many. Will he rebound in time for the season’s decisive moments?
These fouls usually carry a standard one-match ban, which would miss the Sevilla fixture on October 18. However, his reaction to the sending‑off could increase the severity of the punishment. For my money, the authorities must treat his conduct seriously.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid (2026)
Several fans in the stands caught Vinicius Jr. reacting irately as he left the field. Reportedly he was furious, and his own teammates had to lead him away to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Vinícius Jr. apologizes to teammates and Real Madrid fans after red card against Villarreal
If a harsher sanction is handed down, Vinicius Jr. risks missing El Clasico against Barcelona. A two-game suspension would rule him out of this key match on October 25.
Real Madrid are in serious trouble.
Vinicius Jr.’s recent form has been far from ideal. He endured a difficult 2026 World Cup and, back at Real Madrid, has yet to reach his peak level, leaving supporters questioning his place in the lineup.
A goal ruled out and a red card versus Villarreal could dent Vinicius Junior’s confidence. If he sits out El Clasico, coach Jose Mourinho must decide who will join Kylian Mbappé in attack.