Vinicius Junior couldn't stand it in Real Madrid's match against Valencia and was sent off with a red card after shoving Stole Dimitrievski in the face. The Real Madrid star shouted at the referee, provoked a brawl on the sideline and it became clear that he would face a severe penalty from the Disciplinary Committee. Is this one actually sharp? Not particularly.
The Spaniards immediately remembered Robert Lewandowski. This is how they comment on the penalty for Vinicius
“2-match suspension for aggressive behavior on the touchline, with an additional fine of EUR 700 for the club and EUR 600 for the infringer” – This was the punishment received by Vinicius Junior for his scandalous behavior in the match against Valencia. This means that the Brazilian will not play in the matches against Las Palmas (January 19) and Valladolid (January 25), but will be able to take part in the Spanish Super Cup matches.
The punishment does not seem to be very painful, because the two-match suspension is less than Robert Lewandowski received after the memorable red card in the match against Osasuna. The Pole then rubbed his nose with his finger in reaction to the referee's decision. He was suspended for three matches – one more than Vinicus will be suspended for hitting an opponent and arguing during the match. It should be remembered, however, that one match of Lewandowski's suspension was caused by two yellow cards, and the next two were due to his behavior after leaving the pitch.
On the occasion of the situation with Vinicius, “Mundo Deportivo” recalled how Lewandowski's behavior was described in the match report. “After being sent off and heading towards the exit, the player twice made a gesture of disapproval of the referee's decision by putting his finger to his nose,” the referee's note read.
This was recalled by the Catalan “Sport”, which published an eloquent photo of both players and what they were suspended for. “Lewandowski for touching the nose: disqualification for 3 matches. Vinicius after attacking an opponent: suspension for 2 matches,” we read.
The same daily also wrote that the sanction for the Brazilian was “ridiculous”. It was also recalled that Vinicius “lost his mind” on the pitch and it was emphasized that his behavior was considered “brutal play” and not “aggression”, which would have given him a suspension of 4 to 12 matches.
In turn, “Mundo Deportivo” recalled that Hansi Flick received a two-match suspension after a red card and waving his hand while passing the referee. This was combined with two match suspensions for Vinicius and three for Lewandowski. “The commission imposed a minimum penalty. The situation was considered a minor foul and an act of violence, not an attack,” emphasizes “MD” on its website.
After Vinicius's suspension, the famous expert Cristobal Soria became furious. “It was and is more than obvious that Real Madrid is playing with marked cards…!!! This is another scandal in the history of the team of the great Vinicius…” – he wrote on the website X.
“The situation was not considered aggression, and Real will appeal against the penalty anyway. In their opinion, the referee did not take into account that Vinicius had previously been provoked by Dimitrievski. In an earlier appeal, the club included information that the Brazilian had also heard serious racist insults directed at him ” – reported the course of imposition of sanctions in “Marca”.
On Thursday, January 9, Real Madrid will face Mallorca in the semi-final of the King's Super Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti will be able to use Vinicius, and the match will start at 20:00.