Vinícius calls for protection for Yamal and Álvarez after four-match ban

Vinícius has been suspended for four matches by the competitions committee. He learned of the decision as he arrived at the stadium before Wednesday evening’s match against Roma, on matchday two of the Champions League league phase. The punishment angered him, and the Real Madrid player responded with direct criticism of referees in the Spanish league.

Vinícius says he is treated unfairly by referees and opposing supporters. While he understands the jeers from the stands, he believes he is not shown the same consideration when fouls are committed against him. He also called for Yamal and Álvarez to be protected, saying they too are exposed to this situation.

His comments form part of his challenge to the punishment. Vinícius says he has never behaved violently towards another player and is often on the receiving end of challenges, yet feels referees are quick to show him cards. He also referred to a statistic citing 500 fouls suffered, five red cards and an unspecified number of yellow cards, which he said he found hard to understand.

On the decision, he criticised the timing of its announcement and said Liga officials had not explained the rule to him, describing it as new. He also named Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona and Julián Álvarez of Atlético de Madrid as players who, in his view, should be protected.