Author of a controversial gesture during the first match of 2025 against Valencia, Vinicius Junior faces a potentially severe sanction from the Spanish Football Federation, especially given referee César Soto Grado’s report.
Absent from Real Madrid’s last La Liga game against Sevilla due to an avoidable yellow card, which did not sit well with Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius Junior has once again been guilty of an unfortunate act. Starting in the rescheduled 12th round of La Liga against Valencia this Friday, the Brazilian star endured a nightmarish outing. Well-marked by Valencia’s compact defence, Vini had few opportunities to shine. With the team trailing since the 27th minute, the Brazilian international lost his composure in the 79th minute.
LaLiga regulations recommend a suspension of 4 to 12 matches
Provoked by Stole Dimitrievski, Valencia’s goalkeeper, after another unsuccessful offensive attempt, Vinicius Junior responded with a shove to the back of the neck. After a VAR review, referee César Soto Grado brandished a red card for the act, deemed dangerous. While Carlo Ancelotti insists the red card was undeserved and that Real Madrid will appeal for its annulment, the prevailing sentiment suggests otherwise following Los Blancos’ 2-1 victory. According to Archivo VAR and several British media outlets, Vini could face a severe punishment that might even rule him out of the Spanish Super Cup.
If the referee’s decision to issue a red card has been largely supported by football pundits and even some Madrid fans, who believe Vinicius Junior—already known for his uncontrolled reactions—should not have retaliated with the shove, the potential punishment is now clearer. According to Article 103 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, actions like the one committed by the Madrid star on Friday are punishable by a suspension of 4 to 12 matches.
Since the ball was not in play at the time of the altercation with the goalkeeper, the incident could be classified as an assault under LaLiga rules. As it stands, Vini faces a minimum suspension of four matches, starting with the Spanish Super Cup, which Real Madrid will contest next week in Saudi Arabia. Given the player’s crucial role in the team, this represents a significant blow for Madrid’s coaching staff.
The damning report from referee César Soto Grado
As the decision hinges on the referee’s report of the incident, Spanish outlet Marca has provided insights into the findings. As usual, the pro-Madrid publication accessed the report, which casts Vinicius Junior in a negative light. “In the 79th minute, the player Vinicius was sent off for the following reason: striking an opponent deliberately on the head with significant force, while the ball was not in play. After being sent off, the player had to be restrained by members of his club and escorted to the dressing room as his protests continued,” reads the referee’s statement.
Barring any surprises, Vinicius Junior is expected to face a substantial penalty for this latest lapse, a behaviour several club legends have criticised in recent times. While the Mestalla is notoriously hostile, with supporters openly displaying racial animosity towards the player of Cameroonian descent, maintaining composure is essential. It bears repeating: Vini still has much to work on if he hopes to leave an indelible mark in the annals of world football. Stay tuned early next week for the official decision from LaLiga’s disciplinary committee.
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