Vinicius handed four-match La Liga ban after sending-off

La Liga’s disciplinary commission has ruled that Vinicius will miss the next four league matches after being sent off against Villarreal on Saturday. The Spanish federation announced on Wednesday that the Real Madrid forward had received a four-match suspension after pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair in a 1-0 win for his team.

The punishment is expected to prompt debate in Spain. A report relayed by the Spanish press separates two matches for violent conduct away from the ball, without challenging for it or playing a part in a stopped phase, with additional fines under Article 5, from two more matches for protests against the referee or assistants.

Vinicius came on in the second half after starting the match on the bench for the first time this season. He thought he had scored before being sent off directly. The referee’s report says that, after his dismissal and with play stopped, D. Vinicius José De Oliveira Do Nascimento continued protesting, shouting and approaching him in an aggressive manner. It adds that his teammates had to hold “Vini” back.

The suspension leaves Real Madrid without the forward for its next four La Liga matches.