Technical analysis: How many matches could Vinicius face?

Real Madrid C.F.

40

Vinícius Júnior
15.720.000€-20.000€-3

J8

3

J7

-1

J6

10

J5

5

J4

DL

31

In the match against Villareal, the Brazilian saw VAR overturn the 2-0 for an incident involving Saliba and was then sent off with a straight red card. Vinicius pulled the central defender by the hair at the start of the move and then loudly protested the referee's decision.

🟥 The 𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐬 for a hair-pull on Saliba.

The referee ruled out the goal and sent off the Brazilian after a VAR review.#LALIGAEASPORTS #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/kxAkMUQrLZ

— Movistar Plus Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) October 10, 2026

The decision could have major consequences for Real Madrid, especially given how close the Clasico is. 

In the match report, Díaz de Mera records the following:

"he was sent off for pulling an opponent by the hair, with the ball in play, without the ball being contested between them".

Let's review what the different regulations say:

Manual of arbitration criteria, rules and guidelines CTA RFEF 2026/2027

Red card for violent conduct

CV.1 - A player strikes with an elbow, header, punch, slap, grabs the neck, pushes, kick, kick, bite, hair-pull,… at an opponent or any other person without contesting the ball, using excessive force or brutality. Red card

Disciplinary Code of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)

Article 114. Direct sending-off.

114.1 . A direct sending-off during the course of a match will entail a suspension sanction for, at least, one match, unless the incident constitutes an infringement of greater severity, with the corresponding pecuniary accessory.  In those cases where the sending-off from the playing field is due to situations in which the player had not had the possibility to contest the ball, the suspension will be for at least, two matches.

Summary

Vinicius could receive at least two matches of suspension because the match report states that he pulled Saliba by the hair while the ball was in play, but without contesting it between the two of them. The regulations state that when a sending-off occurs in a situation where the player had no possibility of contesting the ball, the suspension is for at least two matches.

Vinicius has had some luck

The match report also includes the following:

"while on the playing field, he continued to protest my decision, shouting at the top of his voice,  heading towards where I was with an aggressive attitude, having to be restrained by teammates, without being able to appreciate any specific expression".

There are articles that cover disrespect towards referees, lack of respect, etc. As the match report has recorded it, it would be subjective and this type of action is not usually punished, but we will have to wait to see whether the Technical Committee, after reviewing the match report, assesses what has been recorded.

Pending the ruling from the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, but in my opinion, there are very few chances that Vinicius will play in the Clasico.