MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 10: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF argue with referee Isidro Diaz Mero Escuderos red card during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Madrid and Villarreal CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 10, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior will miss El Clasico against rivals Barcelona after receiving a four-match suspension following his controversial red card against Villarreal, with head coach Jose Mourinho questioning the timing of the disciplinary ruling.
Vinicius was sent off during Madrid’s 1-0 LaLiga victory on Sunday (AEDT) following an extraordinary sequence that began with a goal celebration and ended with a VAR intervention, a disallowed goal and a straight red card.
The Brazil international thought he had doubled Madrid’s advantage after latching onto a pass from Jude Bellingham, prompting celebrations from his teammates and Mourinho on the touchline amid a challenging season for the Los Blancos attacker.
However, VAR identified an earlier incident involving the 26-year-old and Villarreal midfielder Nathan Saliba, with replays showing Vinicius pulling his opponent’s hair.
Referee Isidro Diaz de Mera reviewed the footage, overturned the goal and dismissed Vinicius for violent conduct, prompting a furious reaction from the Madrid forward and had to be restrained by teammates as he confronted the official.
The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee subsequently handed Vinicius a two-match ban for violent conduct, with a further two games added for his protests towards the referee.
It means Vinicius will miss upcoming LaLiga fixtures against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander and Valencia, although he remains eligible for Champions League matches having featured against Roma in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday (AEDT).
Mourinho was particularly unhappy that the suspension was announced just two hours before Madrid’s Champions League reunion with the Portuguese boss’ former club Roma.
“You should ask the committee why they didn’t do it this morning, or tomorrow morning,” Mourinho told Movistar. “Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid? And don’t forget that this is a Spanish team.”
It is a blow for Mourinho’s Madrid ahead of their October 26 (AEDT) trip to defending champions Barcelona, who trail their rivals by six points in LaLiga in fourth position.
By commenting, you agree to our [Commenting Guidelines](https://football360.com.au/privacy)