Rabat – Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is at risk of missing El Clasico against Barcelona after receiving a straight red card during Saturday’s 1-0 La Liga victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius was dismissed in the second half after VAR alerted referee Isidro Diaz de Mera to an incident involving Villarreal’s Canadian midfielder Nathan Saliba.
The Brazilian had appeared to score Madrid’s second goal, but a review showed him pulling Saliba’s hair during the build-up. The goal was disallowed and Vinicius was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.
Real Madrid nevertheless held on with 10 men, with Yan Diomande’s goal proving enough to secure the 1-0 victory.
Two-match ban would rule Vinicius out
Spanish newspaper AS reports that Vinicius is likely to receive a suspension of at least two matches under Article 121 of the Spanish federation’s disciplinary regulations because the incident occurred away from a challenge for the ball.
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A two-match suspension would automatically rule him out of Madrid’s home league fixture against Sevilla on October 18 and the Clasico away to Barcelona on October 25.
Real Madrid’s official schedule confirms that Jose Mourinho’s team will face Sevilla before traveling to Camp Nou seven days later for the first Clasico of the season.
Vinicius could potentially face a longer sanction because of his reaction after the dismissal.
The referee’s report stated that the 26-year-old continued protesting after being shown the red card and approached the official with what was described as an “aggressive attitude,” requiring teammates to restrain him. The disciplinary committee will consider that report when deciding the length of his suspension.
Vinicius later apologized to his teammates and Real Madrid supporters for the incident. “Sorry to the team and the fans,” he wrote after the match.
No final suspension has yet been announced, meaning his absence from El Clasico is not official.
However, AS reports that Madrid expect a minimum two-game punishment, making Vinicius’ participation against Barcelona increasingly unlikely.
The disciplinary decision will determine whether Mourinho must travel to Camp Nou without one of his main attacking options for a Clasico that arrives with Barcelona currently leading Real Madrid in the La Liga standings.
