The Brazilian winger has faced numerous challenges at the Mestalla Stadium in the past.
Trailing 1-0 due to a Hugo Duro goal, Carlo Ancelotti’s team saw things go from bad to worse in the final 10 minutes. ..Continue Reading
The 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up was shown a red card for pushing the goalkeeper in the face, with a VAR review aiding the referee’s final decision.
Despite goals from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham rescuing the game for Los Blancos, Vinicius Jr’s dismissal sparked much online debate.
Initially, one angle of the footage seemed to show Dimitrievski pulling Vinicius Jr’s braids, which led to his reaction.
However, clearer footage later revealed that the Valencia goalkeeper had actually grabbed Vinicius Jr’s shirt instead. Watch the two videos below:
Dimitrievski received a yellow card for his role in provoking the £337,000-per-week winger.
The incident didn’t end there, as Vinicius Jr continued to protest the red card decision, with teammates and staff needing to restrain the furious Brazilian international.
Watch the footage below:
Soto Grado, the match referee, gave more information in his post-match report.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the referee specified that Vinicius Jr was sent off for intentionally striking an opponent in the head when the ball was not in play:
“In the 79th minute the player (7) De Oliveira Do Nascimento, Vinicius Jose was expelled for the following reason: For hitting an opponent in the head deliberately, without the ball being in dispute, using a significant amount of force.
“Once he was sent off, the player had to be restrained by members of his club and taken to the changing rooms while his protests continued.”
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has given his thoughts on the situation, claiming the Spanish giants will contest the decision.
He said: “It was not a red card for Vinicius Jr. We will appeal. The goalkeeper pushed him and Vini responded. It should’ve been a yellow for both and that’s it.”
