Rabat – Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has officially been suspended for four La Liga matches following his dismissal against Villarreal, ruling him out of the first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona.
The Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Committee confirmed the punishment on Wednesday after reviewing referee Isidro Diaz de Mera’s report from Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius received a straight red card in the 72nd minute after VAR footage showed him pulling Villarreal midfielder Nathan Saliba’s hair during the build-up to a Real Madrid goal that was subsequently disallowed.
The committee imposed a two-match suspension under Article 130.2 of the disciplinary code for violent conduct away from a challenge for the ball.
A further two matches were added over Vinicius’ reaction to the dismissal. The referee’s report described the Brazilian as repeatedly protesting and approaching the official with an “aggressive attitude,” with teammates required to intervene.
Vinicius apologized to his teammates and supporters shortly after the match for leaving Real Madrid with 10 men.
Vinicius to miss Barcelona trip
The four-game sanction means Vinicius will first sit out Sunday’s home match against Sevilla before missing Madrid’s trip to face Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou on October 25.
He will then remain unavailable for the league visits to Racing Santander on November 1 and Valencia on November 7.
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Vinicius will be eligible to return to La Liga after the November international break, when Real Madrid are scheduled to host Celta Vigo on November 22.
His suspension applies only to domestic league competition, meaning Jose Mourinho can still use the winger in the Champions League.
Vinicius remains eligible for Wednesday’s meeting with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, as well as Madrid’s subsequent European fixtures against RB Leipzig and AEK Athens.
His absence from El Clasico represents the biggest consequence of the disciplinary decision. Barcelona host Real Madrid on October 25 at 9 p.m. local time, 8 p.m. GMT, with Hansi Flick’s side currently leading La Liga on 24 points after winning their opening eight matches. Madrid sit fourth with 18 points.
Mourinho will therefore have to prepare for the season’s first Clasico without one of Madrid’s main attacking options.
