Vinícius Junior Receives Four-Game Suspension; Set to Miss Clásico

Vinícius Junior has been handed a four-match domestic ban for violent conduct during Real Madrid's win over Villarreal.

The Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee issued a four-game ban to Vinícius Junior on Wednesday following his dismissal in Real Madrid's LaLiga victory against Villarreal at the Bernabéu. The punishment consists of a two-game suspension for violent conduct after the forward pulled Nathan Saliba's hair, plus an additional two games for his aggressive reaction toward the referee. Although Vinícius converted a Jude Bellingham pass to briefly put Madrid ahead 2-0, the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that resulted in his red card.

As a result of the ruling, the Brazil international will miss Sunday's fixture against Sevilla and the Oct. 25 Clásico against Barcelona at Camp Nou. The suspension also covers subsequent LaLiga matches against Racing Santander and Valencia. According to the committee, the player had to be restrained by teammates during his confrontation with the official. Coach José Mourinho, who had started Vinícius on the bench for the Villarreal match, questioned the timing of the federation's announcement, which occurred two hours before Madrid's Champions League kickoff against Roma.

Because the ban applies only to domestic competitions, Vinícius remains eligible for European play. He was named to the starting XI for Wednesday's match at Roma and is available for upcoming Champions League fixtures against RB Leipzig on Oct. 21 and AEK on Nov. 4. The forward, who recently signed a contract extension through 2032, will not return to LaLiga action until after the November international break.