Real Madrid’s week went from chaos to comeback to controversy in about four hours. Hours before Wednesday night’s Champions League trip to Roma, Spanish football’s Competition Committee confirmed that Vinícius Júnior has been suspended for four La Liga matches, including the Clásico at Barcelona on October 25. José Mourinho’s reaction was fiery, and it is not hard to see why.
What Did Vinícius Do?
The trouble began last Saturday against Villarreal. Vinícius thought he had scored Madrid’s second goal in a 1-0 win, but VAR spotted that he had pulled Nathan Saliba’s hair in the build-up.
The goal was cancelled and the Brazilian was sent off. He later apologised, but the committee rejected Madrid’s arguments against the red card, saying the video clearly showed the hair pull.
Two Games Plus Two More
The punishment is split in two. The committee handed him the minimum two-match ban for violent conduct without the ball in play, plus two more games for aggressively protesting to referee Isidro Díaz de Mera. Teammates had to restrain him, and the referee’s report was reportedly damning.
The Games He Will Miss
Vinícius will sit out Sevilla at home on October 18, El Clásico at Camp Nou on October 25, Racing Santander on November 1 and Valencia on November 7. The ban applies only to domestic competition, so he can still play in the Champions League against RB Leipzig and AEK Athens.
Mourinho Explodes
Mourinho was furious about the timing. He asked whether it was normal for a player to find out two hours before kickoff that he had a four-match ban, called the decision shameless, and said it showed at the very least a lack of respect. He also took aim at Madrid’s schedule, with AEK Athens on November 4 and Valencia on November 7, and said he was too old to swallow the usual excuses.
What Real Madrid Do Next
Madrid told The Athletic they will appeal, hoping to shave games off the ban, although nothing suggests it could be wiped out entirely. Vinícius himself said it is a tough time for him. On the pitch, Madrid beat Roma 4-3 after Mourinho replaced Vinícius with Endrick, proving they can win without him.
Vinícius Ban: Key Facts
- Announced: October 14, 2026, by the Spanish federation’s Competition Committee
- Length: four La Liga matches (two for the hair pull, two for protesting)
- Misses: Sevilla (October 18), Barcelona (October 25), Racing Santander (November 1), Valencia (November 7)
- Still eligible: Champions League matches
- Status: Real Madrid say they will appeal
What It Means for the Clásico
Barcelona lead La Liga and are the reigning champions, so Madrid will have to face them at Camp Nou without their star winger. Mourinho now has to rewrite his plan for the biggest game of the autumn.
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