Cucurella warns referee after Vinicius is sent off

After Vinicius was sent off, Marc Cucurella told the referee: “I hope that if anyone so much as touches a hair on my head, you show them a red card.” The Spain international added: “You go to VAR.” Cameras from DAZN captured the angry remark, underlining that Vinicius was not the only player to address the referee after the incident.

In the match between Real Madrid and Villarreal, Vinicius pulled Saliba’s hair as they ran. Díaz de Mera initially did not see the action. After the goal, the referee was called to the VAR and showed a red card. The goal was ultimately disallowed. The incident drew considerable attention around Vinicius, who is almost certain to miss the Clásico. Real Madrid did still edge past Villarreal.

Cucurella’s warning also recalls an earlier episode. In the 2025 Mundial de Clubes final, while playing for Chelsea, he was himself the victim of a similar action. During that match, a Portuguese player pulled his hair, was sent off and was then given a two-match sanction for his conduct.