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Vinícius Júnior Suspended Four Matches by Spanish FA

The ban removes a key attacker from the October 25 El Clásico, raising fresh questions about VAR use and referee consistency.

Overview

  • The RFEF disciplinary committee handed Vinícius a four-match suspension made up of two matches for the red card and two extra matches for protesting the referee.
  • Referees issued the red card after VAR reviewed a play in which Vinícius pulled Villarreal midfielder Nathan's hair, leading officials to disallow a goal and send him off.
  • Real Madrid finished the game 1-0 despite playing with ten men from the 72nd minute, but the suspension means Vinícius will miss the high-profile match against Barcelona.
  • Vinícius posted a brief apology on Instagram after the match and later reposted footage criticizing refereeing decisions, while manager José Mourinho refused to attend the post-match press conference in protest.
  • The ruling has intensified scrutiny of how VAR overturns on-field calls and of disciplinary practice in Spain, and it could affect Real Madrid's attack and tactical plans in coming fixtures.