Real Madrid narrow 1-0 win over Villarreal for Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday no end without controversy, as Vinicius Junior collect red card after VAR review.
The Brazilian forward, wey come on as substitute for 52nd minute, see red around 20 minutes later. After VAR review, referee Isidro Diaz de Mera go pitchside monitor, and dem disallow goal wey Vinicius think say na im second for match. Review show say Vinicius pull Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba hair for build-up to the goal.
Before referee overturn decision, Vinicius and manager Jose Mourinho join celebration. But after monitor review, goal no stand, and Vinicius react angrily. Teammates hold am back as e shout at referee while e dey leave pitch. Referee match report tok say Vinicius protested im decision, raise im voice, toward where e dey stand in aggressive manner, and teammates hold am back.
Vinicius later take to social media to apologise. E write say sorry to the team and the fans. The apology come as the Brazilian face possible suspension wey fit rule am out of El Clasico against Barcelona.
Under Royal Spanish Football Federation regulations, pulling opponent hair na violent conduct. Article 130 of league disciplinary rules provide for suspension between one and three matches for violent conduct wey no cause injury. Vinicius fate now dey with disciplinary committee, and decision fit affect Real Madrid upcoming fixtures. Real Madrid next three La Liga matches na against Sevilla, Barcelona and Racing Santander. If suspension reach Barcelona game, e go be major setback for Brazil international, because El Clasico important for Spanish title race.
Villarreal defender Juan Foyth acknowledge seriousness of incident but suggest say Brazilian no mean to cause harm. E tok say e no think say Vinicius mean to hurt anyone, but na red card. Foyth talk about hair-pulling incident involving Saliba.
Real Madrid secure all three points against Villarreal despite controversy, but disciplinary decision fit leave Mourinho without one key attacking player for crucial fixture. Mourinho no attend mandatory post-match news conference after Saturday game.
Reports from Spain tok say Mourinho no want speak to media after game because e want still remain on touchline for next two La Liga matches. E believe say if e attend presser, dem go suspend am for upcoming games. Real Madrid face Roma for Champions League on Wednesday.
