Vinícius Júnior Apologizes After Red Card for Hair Pull in Real Madrid Victory

Vinícius Júnior was sent off in the 1-0 win over Villarreal after a VAR review identified him pulling Nathan Saliba's hair.

Real Madrid secured a 1-0 LaLiga victory over Villarreal at the Bernabéu on Saturday despite a straight red card issued to Vinícius Júnior. Yan Diomande scored the game's only goal in the 62nd minute, ten minutes after replacing Vinícius in the starting lineup. The result leaves Madrid in third place, one point behind Atlético Madrid and six points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Vinícius, who entered the match as a 52nd-minute substitute, appeared to double the lead by converting a pass from Jude Bellingham. However, referee Isidro Díaz de Mera overturned the goal following a video review. Replays showed Vinícius pulled the hair of Villarreal’s Nathan Saliba during the build-up. The referee’s report noted that the forward disputed the dismissal with an aggressive attitude and required restraint from teammates.

Following the incident, Vinícius posted an apology to his teammates and fans on Instagram. Coach José Mourinho, who celebrated the disallowed goal by sprinting onto the pitch, skipped the post-match news conference. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni expressed confusion over the officiating to Real Madrid TV, while Villarreal defender Juan Foyth stated that while he did not believe there was intent to hurt, the hair pull warranted a red card.

The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary panel will confirm the length of the suspension this week. Real Madrid faces Sevilla on Oct. 18 before traveling to play Barcelona in El Clásico on Oct. 25.