Vinicius (Real Madrid) misses the Clasico: four-match ban

Vinicius José “Vinicius Júnior” (Real Madrid) will miss the Clasico after the Disciplinary Committee handed him a four-match ban for the red card he received last Saturday vs Villarreal. The Brazilian was sent off for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair in the phase that led to a goal, later ruled out.

The sanction is split into two matches for violent conduct outside the game and two more for protests, as stated in the match report. The referee, Isidro Díaz de Mera, changed his criterion after a VAR review.

The report also notes “aggressive attitude” and that he had to be held back by teammates. After the sending-off, Vinicius apologised to his teammates and fans via social media.

He won’t return until after the November international break, for Real Madrid’s home game vs Celta on 22 November. MARCA adds that Real Madrid argued there was a material error, claiming it was an accidental contact involving hair and a ribbon during a challenge, but the committee upholds the report’s presumption of veracity.