Real Madrid’s attempt to shorten Vinicius Junior’s four-match suspension has ended in disappointment. Following a red card during a match against Villarreal, the Brazilian forward was handed a lengthy ban, which the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) appeals committee has formally decided to uphold. According to Spanish outlet AS, the club’s formal petition was summarily rejected by the governing body.
Breakdown of the Suspension
- The four-match ban is divided: two matches for the initial on-field incident leading to the red card and two additional matches for his aggressive reaction following the dismissal.
- Real Madrid contested the severity, aiming to remove the extra two-match penalty and reduce the suspension for the specific hair-pulling incident to one match, but the committee refused all requests.
Impact on Real Madrid’s Schedule
The committee maintained that the referee’s original decisions were correct, leaving no room for a reduced sentence. Vinicius will now miss crucial La Liga matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia. He is expected to return to domestic action in roughly one month against Celta Vigo, though he remains eligible for Champions League fixtures.
Future Legal Recourse and Tactical Changes
Despite the setback, Real Madrid is not backing down and plans to escalate the matter to Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD). Meanwhile, in the forward’s absence, Yann Diomande is expected to start on the left flank. This transition provides a significant opportunity for the player to prove his capabilities and gain the full trust of coach Jose Mourinho.
