Mourinho Criticizes Controversial Timing of Vinícius Júnior’s Four‑Match Ban

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior is set to miss the El Clásico showdown with Barcelona following a four‑match suspension.

The Brazilian was dismissed for pulling Arsenal defender Nathan Saliba’s hair during Real’s 1‑0 victory over Villarreal on Saturday.

His suspension will keep him out of matches against Sevilla on 18 October, Barcelona on 25 October, Racing Santander on 1 November, and Valencia on 7 November.

The timing of the announcement angered Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, as it arrived just hours before his side, including Vinícius, were set to face Roma in the Champions League.

“Is it normal for a Spanish club player, involved in a match vital to Spanish football, to learn just two hours before kickoff that he has received a four‑match suspension?” Mourinho asked after their dramatic 4‑3 comeback win.

“Couldn’t they announce it tomorrow morning? Do we have to travel by bus and arrive at the stadium only to discover Vinícius has a four‑match suspension?”

“They act shamelessly now. The cat is out of the bag. A player must be informed two hours before the match that he faces a four‑match suspension.”

A Spanish side that has contributed three points to Spanish football and its rankings and prestige — you cannot jeopardise a player two hours before a match; that seems abnormal to me.

Vinícius entered the pitch in the 52nd minute against Villarreal and believed he had scored Real’s second goal.

Nevertheless, the referee consulted the pitchside monitor, observed Vinícius pulling Saliba’s hair before the goal, and subsequently sent him off, disallowing the goal.

The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee suspended the winger for two games for “behaving violently without being in a position to challenge for the ball” and for an additional two matches for “protesting” the officials.

After the match, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho did not attend the post‑match press conference.

Vinícius later apologised on social media, writing that he was “sorry to the team and the Real Madrid fans.”

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