Real Madrid Star Vinicius Jr. Receives ‘Scandalous’ Suspension News

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. has been hit with a two-match suspension for being sent off during an eventual 2-1 win over Valencia last weekend, as reported by MARCA.

In a hostile environment and ground where he previously received racial abuse, Vinicius was dismissed for pushing Stole Dimitrievski in the face while his side trailed 1-0 in an important La Liga clash.

Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his player in the bowels of the Mestalla post-match, and revealed hopes that upon review both men in question would instead receive yellow cards while Vinicius’ red was cancelled.

Other corners expected Vinicius to be suspended for anything from two to four matches, and possibly miss Madrid’s Copa del Rey win over Deportivo Minera and also its Spanish Super Cup defense campaign which kicks off on Thursday via a semifinal showdown with RCD Mallorca.

Just under 48 hours out from the latter fixture, La Liga has confirmed that Vinicius will serve a two-match punishment in the Spanish top flight only, which Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo finds to be “new scandal” surrounding the number 7.

This means he can’t play any part in meetings with Las Palmas and Real Valladolid on January 19 and January 25 respectively, but he will be cleared to take on Mallorca and either FC Barcelona or Athletic Club in a potential Spanish Super Cup final if Madrid gets that far.

Vinicius was of course the main protagonist in the final this time last year, when he scored the fastest ever hat trick in El Clasico and helped sink the defending champion Barca 4-1.

Having the Ballon d’Or runner up at his disposal in Saudi Arabia is a boost for Ancelotti, but Madrid still plans to appeal the suspension on the whole.

When last asked about the sending off on Monday, the Italian said: “We don’t think they’re going to sanction him.”

“He doesn’t need affection. He’s one of the best in the world, he’s won two Champions Leagues. He has the affection of all the Madrid fans, and that’s why he plays very well,” Ancelotti added about his winger.

This latest development could come as a surprise to the manager then, who might still remain confident of getting the decision overturned.