15 October,2026 06:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vinicius Jr (Pic: AFP)
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr expressed his frustration over refereeing decisions following Real Madrid's thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Brazilian winger urged match officials to protect creative talents across the sport, mentioning Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez alongside himself.
The outburst followed the confirmation of a four-match domestic suspension handed to Vinicius Jr earlier that day due to a hair-pulling incident and subsequent protests in LaLiga. Disillusioned by the penalty, the 26-year-old questioned the disparity in how offensive players and defenders are officiated.
"I don't recall any other player receiving a four-match suspension. I tried to move the player in front of me out of the way, and I ended up getting caught in his hair. That was it - a red card - which is why I was so surprised. I didn't say a single offensive word to the referee that would warrant a four-match ban. But when it comes to Vini, it's all too easy." Vinicius said.
"It's understandable for the opposing fans to jeer me, because my job is to score goals against their team, but I don't get the referees. I've seen the stats: I've been on the receiving end of 500 fouls, yet that has only resulted in five red cards. In the end, the yellow cards always seem to go to Vini, to the attacking players. We need to protect the players who bring something different to the game, like Lamine Yamal at Barcelona or Julian at Atleti. Defenders are allowed to foul me the entire match, but in the end it's me who gets the card," he added.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho showed his anger over learning about the ban's timing while travelling to the stadium.
"Do you think it's normal for a player from a Spanish team, preparing for an important match that's also crucial for Spanish soccer, to find out about his four-match suspension just two hours before kickoff? We were on the bus about to arrive at the stadium when we found out ... they've started doing things without any shame." Mourinho said.
(With inputs from PTI)
