Vinicius Junior could face a suspension that threatens his participation in El Clásico after receiving a straight red card during Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 10, 2026.
The Brazilian winger appeared to have doubled Real Madrid’s lead after coming off the bench, but a VAR review overturned the goal after officials spotted him pulling Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba’s hair.
Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera subsequently dismissed Vinicius for violent conduct in the 73rd minute, turning an evening of celebration into one of controversy and frustration for the Real Madrid forward.
VAR Turns Vinicius’ Celebration Into Controversy
Vinicius entered the match in the 52nd minute, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, as José Mourinho looked to strengthen Real Madrid’s attacking threat.
After Yan Diomande had given Madrid the lead in the 62nd minute, Vinicius found the net following a move created by Jude Bellingham.
Mourinho was so convinced that his team had scored again that he sprinted onto the pitch to celebrate with his players.
However, VAR officials reviewed the build-up and identified Vinicius pulling Saliba’s hair as they raced towards goal. The referee disallowed the strike and showed the Brazilian a straight red card.
The incident quickly became the defining moment of the match, with Vinicius protesting angrily before teammates helped escort him away from the referee.
Vinicius Apologises to Real Madrid Fans
Following the match, Vinicius took to Instagram to express regret over the incident.
“The joy remains. Sorry to my team and the fans,” he wrote, apologising to his teammates and supporters after his dismissal.
The apology came amid growing attention on the winger’s disciplinary situation and the potential consequences for Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures.
Villarreal defender Juan Foyth offered his perspective on the incident, saying: “I don’t think he meant to hurt anyone, but it is a red card.”
Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni also expressed disbelief over the refereeing decisions, reflecting the frustration within the Madrid camp.
Could Vinicius Miss El Clásico?
The major concern for Real Madrid is whether Vinicius will be suspended for the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona on October 25.
Under Spanish football disciplinary rules, hair-pulling can be classified as violent conduct and carry a suspension of one to three matches. The final punishment will depend on the disciplinary authorities’ assessment of the incident.
Real Madrid are scheduled to face Sevilla before their meeting with Barcelona. Depending on the length of the ban, Vinicius could miss one or more matches, potentially including the highly anticipated clash at Camp Nou.
Losing the Brazilian for El Clásico would be a significant blow to Mourinho, given Vinicius’ ability to create chances, stretch defences and influence decisive moments in major matches.
A Costly Night for Vinicius
Although Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Diomande’s first goal for the club, Vinicius’ dismissal has shifted attention away from the result.
The Brazilian’s brief appearance produced both a moment of apparent attacking brilliance and a disciplinary controversy that could affect Madrid’s immediate plans.
Mourinho will now await the outcome of the disciplinary process while preparing his team for the next stage of the season.
For Vinicius, the priority will be to move beyond the incident and avoid a suspension that could leave him watching from the sidelines during one of Real Madrid’s biggest matches of the campaign.
Esther Afriyie Kumah is the Digital Media & Operations Manager and a writer at AL Media Sports of AL Media Group. She specializes in sports journalism, covering Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, and African football with in-depth match reports, tactical analysis, player ratings, and expert insights.