Vinicius Jr.'s involvement in Real Madrid's dramatic 2-1 win over Valencia has sparked controversy after he received a direct red card for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. The Brazilian star, who faced taunts from Valencia fans throughout the match, lost his composure while his team trailed 1-0 in the second half.
Despite his dismissal, Real Madrid showcased resilience as Jude Bellingham assisted Luka Modric's equalizer and scored the winner in stoppage time, temporarily lifting the team to the top of La Liga. After the game, Vinicius issued a brief apology, thanking his teammates for their support, while Carlo Ancelotti defended him, insisting the incident warranted only a yellow card.
The Spanish media have speculated that Vinicius could face a lengthy suspension due to his actions, with the regulations allowing for up to a four-game ban for incidents involving off-the-ball fouls. This punishment would include crucial fixtures, such as the Supercopa final against Barcelona.
Vinicius' history of disciplinary issues, particularly at Mestalla, where he has been sent off twice, adds to the scrutiny. Critics, including Marca, pointed out that his temperament has been a recurring problem, calling for intervention to address his repeated confrontations on the field.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's television channel strongly criticized the refereeing, labeling the incident an "ambush" and accusing officials of targeting the team. Despite the controversy, the victory highlighted Real Madrid's determination, led by Bellingham's brilliance in clutch moments. However, with Vinicius potentially sidelined for several matches, Real Madrid faces the challenge of navigating key games without one of their star players.
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