Vinicius Jr. could face a four-game suspension for the red card incident ⚽
Vinicius Junior could be in hot water after receiving a red card against Valencia last Friday. The reigning La Liga champions fell behind early thanks to Hugo Duro’s clinical 27th-minute goal. Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid could not find their groove. Then chaos broke out in the 79th minute.
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A tense moment turns poignant.
Vinicius collided with Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski while appealing for a penalty kick. Contact from behind prompted a violent response from the Brazilian winger, who hit Dimitrievski in the neck.
Referee Soto Grado did not hesitate. A quick check of the stadium monitor confirmed his decision. It was Vinicius who received a red card.
How severe will the ban be?
According to Article 103 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, aggressive behavior could potentially result in a four-match suspension. If deemed less serious, the ban may only last two or three games. Either way, Real Madrid could feel the impact of his absence.
Modric and Bellingham save the day
Despite having a player down, Real Madrid did not give up. Luka Modric scored a goal in the 85th minute after a sharp pass from Jude Bellingham. Then, in injury time, Bellingham made a defensive mistake that resulted in a thrilling 2-1 comeback.
A look at Vinicius Jr’s disciplinary record 🟨
Vinicius isn’t exactly known for problems on the pitch. This was Real Madrid’s first red card in seven years. The only time he saw red was during Real Madrid Castilla’s game against Celta B. That’s from the second yellow one for the simulation.
He played in 69 games and received only 9 yellow cards. Even on the Brazilian national team stage, he managed to maintain a clean appearance, receiving only six yellow cards in various competitions.
Star despite controversy
Vinicius was one of Madrid’s brightest stars. Last year he narrowly missed out on winning the Ballon d’Or, but instead won the FIFA Best Men’s Player award. This season, he has already scored 13 goals and provided 9 assists in 21 games, holding his own even with Kylian Mbappé now in the mix.
