Real Madrid Forward Vinicius Receives Four Game Suspension

Last time out for Real Madrid against Villarreal, Vinicius Jr received a red card despite thinking he had doubled the lead, having pulled the hair of midfielder Nathan-Dylan Saliba in the build up. 

So, having thinking he had finally broken his goal drought just minutes coming off the bench, with everything now being sunshine and rainbows, it proved to be the exact opposite of that. Not only was the goal drought still there, he had now been sent off and had a suspension looming. 

There had been an anticipated wait from La Liga to confirm the extent of Vinicius' ban. According to reports from ESPN Brasil, the player claimed it was an accident, perhaps in the hope that the league may be more lenient with his suspension as a result. 

Well, they haven't. Indeed not, as it has this evening (Wednesday, the 14th of October) been confirmed that the 26-year old will be suspended for four games. Two for the red card in and of itself, and a further two for the aggression shown in the immediate aftermath (as relayed by MadridXtra).

Now, for anyone confused, this is a strictly domestic ban. So, Vinicius will be available for the games with AS Roma, RB Leipzig and AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League.. It means he will instead miss the following four games; Sevilla (H), Sunday the 18th, Barcelona (A), Sunday the 25th, Racing Club (A), Sunday the 1st of November, and Valencia (A), Saturday the 7th. 

The final international break of 2026 follows after the Valencia game, so he will not play again in the league until after the break, when the team host Celta Vigo on match day 13 of the season.

So, three straight away games after the clash with Sevilla, including an El Clasico. Far from ideal in every sense. The good thing is that he can continue to play in the Champions League in the meantime so he isn't too rusty when he returns to league action. 

Nevertheless, this is just very tough for Vinicius to take. He has only scored one goal in eight La Liga games so far, and will not be able to add to that tally until the 22nd of November (or at another point that weekend, fixture date and time still to be confirmed). Hopefully he can get on the scoresheet in the Champions League to boost his confidence.