Vinícius Jr says referees targeting him after four‑match La Liga ban
The Real Madrid forward spoke after the club's 4‑3 Champions League win over Roma, demanding protection for young talent.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior said he feels referees are targeting him after receiving a four‑game La Liga suspension, speaking out after the team's 4‑3 comeback win against Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday.
What happened
Vinícius was sent off for pulling an opponent’s hair and protesting the referee, prompting La Liga to impose a four‑match ban hours before Real Madrid’s Champions League match with Roma. The suspension was announced on the same day Real Madrid overturned a 3‑1 deficit to beat Roma 4‑3.
What the reports add
The Independent reported that Vinícius said he does not recall any other player receiving a four‑match ban and that he was surprised by the severity of the punishment. The Guardian echoed these remarks, adding that he described the incident as “trying to move the player in front of me out of the way, and I ended up getting caught in his hair.” Both outlets note his call for greater protection for young talents such as Lamine Yamal and Julián Álvarez.
What was said
Vinícius told reporters, “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. But when it comes to Vini, it’s all too easy,” as reported by the Independent. The Guardian quoted the same passage, adding that he said, “The opposing team will always say it’s justified, and the press will say the same. I understand that. I’m here to keep evolving and improving.”
How it came about
Vinícius’ comments follow a period of poor form that he described as a slump, but he expressed confidence he will regain his best level soon. The suspension and his remarks come amid ongoing debate in La Liga about officiating standards, a topic previously highlighted in Felo’s coverage of Atlético Madrid’s complaint about refereeing bias after a loss to Real Madrid on 2026‑09‑21 (link).
Key facts
- Vinícius Júnior received a four‑game La Liga suspension for a red card after pulling an opponent’s hair and protesting the referee. (independent.co.uk)
- The suspension was announced hours before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Roma, which Real Madrid won 4‑3. (theguardian.com)
- Vinícius said he does not recall any other player receiving a four‑match ban and called for more protection for young talents like Lamine Yamal and Julián Álvarez. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] theguardian.com
