Vinicius Jr will miss Real Madrid’s final La Liga match of 2024, scheduled against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on December 22.
The Brazilian forward accumulated his fifth yellow card in La Liga during the recent clash against Rayo Vallecano, where he was penalised for protesting against the referee’s decisions.
This suspension comes at an inconvenient time, following Real Madrid’s participation in the Intercontinental Cup final.
Vinicius, who started the match on the bench, became visibly frustrated during the game. His anger boiled over when referee Juan Martinez Munuera issued him a yellow card for arguing over a decision.
This marked his fifth caution for protesting in the current La Liga campaign, contributing to the tally that now sidelines him for the crucial Sevilla encounter.
What happened with Vinicius?
The incident unfolded in the 74th minute when Real Madrid were pushing forward on a counterattack. With the score level at 3-3, Vinícius was persistently grabbed by Rayo Vallecano defender Florian Lejeune in midfield.
The referee called the foul but refrained from booking the Rayo player, which visibly angered Vinicius. His animated reaction to the decision, including shouting and gesturing at the referee, resulted in a yellow card.
Despite his earlier booking, Vinicius continued to vent his frustration at the referee, arguing face-to-face in what could easily have earned him another card. However, the referee opted not to show a second yellow, avoiding what might have been a dismissal.
The situation highlighted the Brazilian’s emotional response to on-field decisions, which has repeatedly placed him in challenging disciplinary situations this season.
Vinicius’s absence against Sevilla is a significant blow for Real Madrid, who will miss the energy and flair he brings to the attack.
The suspension also underscores the need for greater composure from the player, particularly in critical moments that could impact his availability for key matches.
