Vinicius Jr is at risk of missing Real Madrid’s El Clásico against Barcelona on 25 October after being sent off in the 1-0 win over Villarreal. The Brazilian was shown a straight red card in the 73rd minute for pulling the hair of an opponent. The incident has since become a disciplinary matter, with the official referee’s report adding to concerns about his conduct after the dismissal.
According to the report from referee Isidro Díaz de Mera, Vinicius remained on the pitch after being sent off and continued to protest loudly. The referee wrote that he approached the official “with an aggressive attitude,” and that teammates had to restrain him. The report also says the referee could not make out any specific words from the player.
What the Referee’s Report Says: A Red Card and a Heated Reaction
The report focuses on two elements: the foul itself and what happened afterwards. The hair pull was an off-the-ball incident, which is significant because it can lead to a heavier punishment than a red card for a challenge on the ball. Reports also note that leaked VAR audio described the incident as “violent conduct,” which could strengthen the case for a longer suspension.
The second element, Vinicius’s behaviour after the dismissal, is what has drawn the most attention. Protesting a decision is common in football, but the referee’s description of an aggressive approach and the need for teammates to hold him back is likely to weigh heavily with the disciplinary panel.
Possible Suspension Lengths
| Factor | What the Reports Say |
|---|---|
| Incident | Straight red card for pulling an opponent’s hair |
| Timing | 73rd minute of the win over Villarreal |
| Referee | Isidro Díaz de Mera |
| Conduct after dismissal | Continued protests, described as aggressive |
| Suspension reported by different outlets | One match, two matches, or one to three matches |
| Club appeal | Madrid could appeal, though reports say the chances are limited |
| Status | Disciplinary decision still pending |
The reports do not agree on the likely length of the ban. Some outlets say the standard punishment for this type of incident is one match, while others cite La Liga rules that set an automatic two-match suspension when there was no genuine attempt to win the ball. Under the range given by some Spanish reports, the ban could run from one to three matches. Any suspension of two or more matches would rule Vinicius out of the Barcelona fixture, and a single-match ban would make him unavailable for the Sevilla match on 18 October.
Vinicius’s Response
Vinicius has apologised to his teammates and to Real Madrid fans for the incident. That public apology may help his case, but it does not change the referee’s account. The disciplinary committee will consider the report, the video evidence and the player’s behaviour on the pitch before deciding the final punishment.
Why El Clásico Matters for Madrid
El Clásico is one of the most important fixtures of the season, and losing Vinicius would be a significant blow for Real Madrid. He is one of the club’s most important attacking players, and his pace and dribbling are central to how the team threatens opponents on the counter-attack.
Madrid’s form has also become a factor. Reports note that Vinicius has not been at his best in recent weeks, and a suspension would take away one of the few players capable of changing a match single-handedly. The club will be hoping that any ban is short, or that the appeal process can reduce the length of the punishment.
What Happens Next
The disciplinary decision is expected before El Clásico, and Madrid may appeal if they believe the sanction is excessive. Until a ruling is made, the length of any suspension remains unconfirmed. Vinicius’s availability for the 25 October match will depend on that decision, and it will be closely watched by fans and the coaching staff alike.
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FAQs
Why was Vinicius Jr sent off against Villarreal?
He was shown a straight red card in the 73rd minute for pulling the hair of an opponent.
What did the referee's report say about him?
The referee wrote that Vinicius continued protesting after being sent off, approached him in an aggressive manner, and had to be restrained by teammates.
Will Vinicius miss El Clásico?
It is not yet confirmed. A suspension of two or more matches would rule him out, and the disciplinary decision is still pending.
When is El Clásico?
The match against Barcelona is scheduled for 25 October 2026.
Has Vinicius responded to the incident?
Yes, he has apologised to his teammates and to Real Madrid fans.
