Vinícius Júnior has spoken out after his red card against Villarreal, apologising to Real Madrid before sharing posts that questioned the way referees treat him.

Vinícius Apologises After Red Card Before Making Fresh Referee Complaint

Vinícius Júnior has broken his silence after being sent off in Real Madrid’s win over Villarreal, apologising to his teammates and supporters before appearing to question the way referees treat him.

The Brazilian was shown a direct red card after VAR reviewed an incident involving Nathan Saliba.

After the match, Vinícius sent a short message to Real Madrid fans.

But his later activity on social media quickly created another controversy.

Vinícius apologises after red card

Vinícius took to Instagram after the match and wrote:

“The joy continues… Sorry to my team and the fans.”

The message was his first public reaction after the red card.

He clearly accepted that his actions had created a difficult situation for Real Madrid late in the game.

However, he did not directly apologise to the Villarreal player involved in the incident.

What happened against Villarreal?

Vinícius started the match on the bench and came on in the second half.

He later thought he had scored another goal for Real Madrid.

However, VAR asked referee Isidro Díaz de Mera to review an incident that happened before the goal.

The replay showed Vinícius pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair.

The goal was cancelled and Vinícius was shown a direct red card for the incident.

VAR called it possible violent conduct

The Spanish Football Federation later released the VAR audio from the match.

The incident was reviewed for possible violent conduct.

After watching the replay, the referee decided that the action was serious enough for a red card.

Vinícius reacted angrily and had to be calmed down by Real Madrid teammates before leaving the pitch.

Vinícius then questions refereeing standards

After apologising, Vinícius made another move on social media that attracted attention.

He reposted content from a fan account suggesting that referees use a different standard when dealing with him.

The posts included examples of previous incidents in which Vinícius had been fouled without opponents receiving similar punishment.

One of the messages suggested that Vinícius is often the player who receives yellow and red cards instead.

Apology followed by fresh controversy

That created two very different messages from Vinícius in a short period of time.

First, he apologised to his team and supporters.

Then he appeared to support claims that he is treated unfairly by referees.

This has added another layer to the debate around his red card.

El Clásico could now be in danger

The biggest concern for Real Madrid is now the possible suspension.

If the incident is officially treated as violent conduct, Vinícius could face a ban of more than one match.

Reports in Spain suggest a suspension of two or three games is possible.

That would put his place in the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona in serious danger.

Real Madrid wait for final decision

The Spanish disciplinary authorities must now decide how many matches Vinícius will miss.

The referee’s report and the nature of the incident will be important in the final decision.

Real Madrid will hope the punishment is short enough for Vinícius to return before their biggest domestic match.

Until the decision is announced, his availability for El Clásico remains uncertain.

Pressure grows on Vinícius

The red card has created another difficult moment for the Brazilian.

His talent remains hugely important to Real Madrid, but his reactions on the pitch continue to attract attention.

His apology showed that he understood the impact of the incident.

But his later posts about refereeing standards show that he still believes there is a wider problem in the way he is treated.

Major decision now awaits

For now, the situation remains open.

Vinícius has apologised, defended himself indirectly on social media and now waits to learn his punishment.

The next decision from the disciplinary authorities could determine whether one of Real Madrid’s biggest stars is available for El Clásico.