Arabic version: فينيسيوس جونيور يواجه إيقافاً لأربع مباريات مع ريال مدريد

According to BBC News, Vinicius Jr has been handed a four-match suspension after his dismissal against Villarreal, ruling the Real Madrid forward out of El Clasico against Barcelona unless an appeal changes the outcome. The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee imposed two matches for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair and two more for Vinicius’ protests after the red card.

The ban also covers league fixtures against Sevilla, Racing Santander and Valencia. Vinicius was initially on the bench against Villarreal, the first time he had not started for Real Madrid since last April. After coming on in the 52nd minute, he appeared to score from a Jude Bellingham assist and celebrated with supporters before VAR intervened. The referee reviewed footage showing the Brazilian pulling Saliba’s hair while the ball was in play, overturned the goal and issued a straight red card.

Jose Mourinho questioned the timing of the disciplinary decision, which was announced two hours before Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Roma. He said it was “not normal” for a player preparing for an important match to learn of a four-game sanction at that point, describing the timing as showing “little respect” for the club.

Vinicius addressed the incident after Real Madrid’s 4-3 win over Roma, saying he had apologised to the team and fans on social media. He said he grabbed the opposing player’s hair while trying to get past him, but added that he had not said “a single bad word” to the referee. The 26-year-old also said he is aware of his current form after going six Real Madrid appearances without a goal, with his last strike coming against Real Sociedad in August.

The forward said he wants to help the team and remains confident his form will return. Vinicius renewed for six more years after lengthy contract uncertainty and has also faced online conspiracy theories following cosmetic surgery on his chin in July.