The Brazilian winger, who has previously faced challenges at this venue, made headlines for the wrong reasons this time. Known for his previous stand against racism at Mestalla, Vinicius’s latest visit saw him sent off, marking his second red card at this stadium.
The turning point came in the second half when Vinicius reacted aggressively towards Valencia’s goalkeeper, Stole Dimitrievski. The altercation began after the goalkeeper reprimanded the Real Madrid star for persistently complaining about a tackle.
However, Vinicius’s response escalated beyond verbal protests, leading to an incident where he pushed his hands into Dimitrievski’s face while the ball was not in play. This act prompted referee Soto Grado to consult VAR before showing Vinicius a red card.
In his post-match report, Soto Grado detailed the decision to expel the Brazilian winger. According to the referee, the red card was issued for a deliberate strike to an opponent’s head with significant force, unrelated to the game’s play.
He further described how Vinicius had to be restrained by his teammates and staff as he continued to protest vehemently while being escorted off the field.
This latest incident has reignited discussions about Vinicius’s on-field conduct. Despite his immense talent and undeniable impact on the game, disciplinary issues seem to cloud his reputation. For Real Madrid, the victory was somewhat overshadowed by the controversy surrounding their star player.
In the aftermath, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the club intends to appeal the decision. The team believes the red card was undeserved and aims to reduce any potential suspension.
Ancelotti emphasized that they will work to ensure Vinicius’s actions are reviewed fairly, hoping for a favorable outcome.
While Vinicius remains a key figure for Real Madrid, this episode has fueled debate about his temperament. His ability on the pitch continues to shine, but moments like these raise concerns about his discipline and composure.
As the club prepares to challenge the red card, the focus shifts to whether Vinicius can overcome such controversies and keep the spotlight on his footballing brilliance rather than his on-field altercations.
