Real Madrid Star Vinicius Claims Red Card Offence Was "An Accident"

Last time out against Villarreal, it seemed like Real Madrid star forward Vinicius Jr was back, after scoring just minutes after coming on as a substitute for the first time this season.

However, it proved to be the exact opposite. Not only was the goal from the 26-year old chalked off by VAR, but the offence that disallowed the goal - a hair pull on Nathan-Dylan Saliba - was enough to send the winger off. 

So, another game without a goal, another week without a goal, and now a red card and suspension to go along with it. When it rains, it pours for Vinicius. 

Truth be told, it seemed pretty stupid. He did not need to yank Saliba's hair. He's quick enough to have simply ran off the back of him and make his run towards the box. It was not like the incident occurred at the back post and Saliba would have otherwise cleared the ball. It all felt very avoidable and unnecessary.

Well, Vinicius' defence it was not a deliberate action. Indeed so, as ESPN Brazil (via MadridXtra) are reporting that the player has told people close to him that he did not intend to grab Saliba's hair. 

His claim is that his hand got caught in the opponent's hair accidentally, as he tried to run past him. 

To be completely honest, this feels like a stretch, and Vinicius trying his best to save face. It could be an attempt to try and make the suspension as lean as possible. Well, if that was the idea there, it has not worked. 

Indeed not, as on Wednesday evening (the 14th of October), La Liga have finally, after four days, officially confirmed (as relayed by MadridXtra) that the Brazilian forward will miss be suspended for four games. 

This ban only applies to domestic games, so he will still be available to play AS Roma, RB Leipzig and AEK Athens in the next three UEFA Champions League games. 

It does mean, however, that he will not be at Jose Mourinho's disposal for the following La Liga 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. 

So, four games and three straight away games, including El Clasico. Far from ideal. He will at least be able to keep fitness and sharpness during those aforementioned Champions League games. This means that he will not be available in La Liga until after the November international break, when Real Madrid host Celta Vigo on match day 13.