Vinícius Júnior has expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment he receives from referees, calling for greater protection for skilful players such as himself, Lamine Yamal and Julián Álvarez.
The Brazilian forward made his comments after Real Madrid recovered to secure a 4-3 Champions League victory away to Roma on Wednesday. He also admitted that his form had dipped but remained confident that he would soon return to his best.
Earlier that day, Vinícius received a four-match domestic suspension after being dismissed for pulling an opponent’s hair and protesting to the referee. “I can’t remember another player being banned for four matches in similar circumstances,” he said. “I was trying to move the player blocking me, and my hand became caught in his hair.
“That was all that happened, yet I was shown a red card, which shocked me. I never directed any insulting language at the referee that could justify a four-game suspension. But decisions seem much easier to make when Vini is involved. Rival teams will argue that the punishment is fair, and the media will often agree. I accept that. My focus is on continuing to develop because I remember where I started and understand what I can still accomplish.
“I expect rival supporters to boo me because I’m trying to score against their team, but I struggle to understand the referees. According to the figures, opponents have fouled me 500 times, but those incidents have produced only five red cards. Somehow, it is usually Vini or another attacking player who receives the yellow card. Football must do more to protect players who offer something special, including Lamine at Barcelona and Julián at Atleti. Defenders can challenge me illegally throughout a match, yet I’m often the one who ends up being booked.”
José Mourinho also criticised when the suspension was announced. “Is it reasonable for a player representing a Spanish club in a major match, one that also matters to Spanish football, to learn about a four-game ban only two hours before kickoff?” the Madrid manager said. “We were on the team bus and nearly at the stadium when the news reached us. They now appear willing to act without any embarrassment.”
Vinícius has not scored for Madrid since August and was substituted in the 59th minute, before his side fought back from a 3-1 deficit. “I’m doing everything possible to recover my top level quickly,” he said. “I recognise that I’m not performing at my best, but I’ve faced more difficult periods before. Even when others questioned me, I continued to defend and support this club. That commitment is why I agreed to a six-year extension. My form will improve and the goals will return. I’m completely confident about that. My purpose here is to contribute to the team.”
The 26-year-old also played down his reaction to being taken off by Mourinho. “It’s normal to feel disappointed when I’m substituted because I want to take part in every minute of every match,” he said. “I understand my present condition and the standard of my performances. I want to support the team, and there are occasions when leaving the field allows another player to enter and alter the course of the game.
“Mourinho and I have an excellent relationship, and he always speaks honestly with me. Naturally, I was slightly frustrated when I was substituted, but that reaction is normal. Ultimately, his decision proved correct because the team became stronger, and that is the most important thing.” Endrick replaced Vinícius and scored the equaliser in the 85th minute, before Antonio Rüdiger completed Madrid’s comeback with a winning goal in the 90th.
Vinícius will be unavailable for several fixtures during his suspension, including the clásico away to Barcelona on 25 October.
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