Jose Mourinho was furious after Vinicius Jr learned of his four-match suspension shortly before Real Madrid faced Roma, questioning why the decision had to be announced before such an important Champions League match.
Jose Mourinho Blasts Spanish FA Over Timing of Vinicius Ban After Roma Win
Jose Mourinho launched a furious attack on Spanish football authorities after Real Madrid’s dramatic Champions League victory over AS Roma, questioning why Vinicius Jr’s four-match suspension was announced only around two hours before kick-off.
Real Madrid completed a memorable comeback to win 4-3 in Rome, but Mourinho was still angry when he faced the media after the match.
The Portuguese coach made it clear that his biggest problem was not simply the punishment itself.
Instead, Mourinho strongly questioned the timing of the announcement and the effect it could have had on Vinicius before an important European match.
Mourinho questions timing of Vinicius punishment
Vinicius received a four-match LaLiga suspension following his controversial red card against Villarreal.
However, Mourinho revealed that Real Madrid only learned about the decision while travelling to the stadium to face Roma.
According to the coach, the news arrived around two hours before kick-off.
Mourinho questioned why the disciplinary decision could not have been announced after the Champions League match or the following morning.
He argued that the timing placed unnecessary pressure on a player who was preparing for a major European game.
“It’s not normal”
Mourinho did not hide his frustration when discussing the situation.
He repeatedly questioned whether it was normal for a player representing a Spanish club in the Champions League to receive such important news shortly before a match.
Mourinho described the situation simply: “It’s not normal.”
He suggested that learning about a four-match suspension so close to kick-off could seriously affect a player’s focus and mental preparation.
Mourinho uses strong words against authorities
The Real Madrid boss then went even further.
Mourinho used the word “shamelessly” while discussing the way the situation had been handled.
He suggested that certain actions surrounding Real Madrid were becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The coach clearly felt the timing of the Vinicius announcement showed a lack of respect towards both the player and the club.
Mourinho calls situation “disrespectful”
Mourinho was also asked whether he considered the situation a declaration of war against Real Madrid.
He stopped short of using that exact description.
However, his answer was still extremely strong.
Mourinho said the situation was, “at the very least”, disrespectful.
He also suggested that Real Madrid supporters could see what was happening and would make their own judgement.
“Madridistas are not stupid”
One of Mourinho’s strongest messages was directed towards Real Madrid supporters.
The Portuguese coach insisted that Madrid fans understand what is happening around their club.
He said: “Madridistas are not stupid.”
Mourinho added that he would continue trying to make supporters aware of situations he believes are unfair towards Real Madrid.
The comments immediately increased tension between the club and Spanish football authorities.
Mourinho did not completely defend Vinicius
Despite his anger over the timing of the suspension, Mourinho did not suggest that Vinicius had done nothing wrong.
His criticism was mainly aimed at when the disciplinary decision was announced.
This is an important difference because Mourinho did not publicly demand that the entire four-match punishment should be cancelled.
Instead, he questioned why such an important decision had to reach the player immediately before a Champions League match.
Vinicius still played against Roma
The suspension only applies to domestic competition, meaning Vinicius was still available against Roma in the Champions League.
However, Mourinho believes receiving the news shortly before kick-off could have affected the Brazilian mentally.
Vinicius was involved in a difficult first half as Real Madrid struggled before producing a dramatic comeback after the break.
Madrid eventually recovered to win 4-3 and collect another important three points in Europe.
Four-match suspension remains in place
Vinicius was given a total four-match LaLiga ban following his red card against Villarreal.
Two matches were given for the incident involving Nathan Saliba, while another two were added because of his reaction to the referee’s decision.
The suspension currently rules him out against:
Sevilla
Barcelona
Racing Santander
Valencia
The biggest blow is his absence from El Clasico against Barcelona on October 25.
Major El Clasico problem for Real Madrid
Vinicius is one of Mourinho’s most important attacking players and has regularly started for Real Madrid this season.
His absence against Barcelona could therefore have a major impact on the title race.
Real Madrid will travel to face their biggest rivals without one of their most dangerous attacking weapons unless the punishment is reduced on appeal.
Real Madrid could continue appeal
The disciplinary decision may not be the final chapter of the story.
Real Madrid are expected to continue fighting the punishment through the available appeal process.
Until any new decision is made, however, the four-match suspension remains in place.
That means Mourinho currently has to prepare for El Clasico without Vinicius.
Mourinho opens another battle with Spanish football authorities
Mourinho has never been afraid to publicly challenge football authorities when he believes his team has been treated unfairly.
His latest comments show that tensions are now rising again.
The Real Madrid coach did not only question a disciplinary process.
He questioned why the timing of the Vinicius decision appeared to make life more difficult for a Spanish club preparing for an important Champions League match.
Real Madrid may have left Rome with a dramatic victory, but Mourinho made sure the controversy surrounding Vinicius was far from over.
