Vinícius claims he is targeted by referees and says flair players need protection
Vinícius Júnior says referees treat him unfairly and wants greater protection for attacking players who face repeated fouls. He spoke after Real Madrid came back from 3-1 down to beat Roma 4-3 in the Champions League, hours after learning he had received a four-game Spanish league ban.
The suspension followed his red card for pulling an opponent’s hair and protesting to the referee; Vinícius said he had not used offensive language and was surprised by the length of the ban. He said he had been fouled 500 times but seen only five opponents sent off, and will miss the clásico against Barcelona on 25 October. Vinícius, who has not scored for Madrid since August, said he expects his form to return; Endrick equalised late against Roma before Antonio Rüdiger scored the winner.
- Vinícius says referees fail to protect attacking players.
- He received a four-game ban after a red card.
- The suspension includes Madrid’s clásico against Barcelona.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Vinícius’s account raises a fair concern that skilful attacking players can be repeatedly fouled to disrupt their play, while officials may not consistently deter that treatment. He can argue that stronger, more even enforcement would protect players and allow flair to flourish, and that the length of his ban deserves scrutiny if comparable conduct is treated differently.
The case against
Referees must apply the rules consistently to everyone, and pulling an opponent’s hair and protesting can warrant serious discipline regardless of a player’s talent or how often he is fouled. A high foul count alone does not show that officials have treated him unfairly, while calls for extra protection should not imply that attacking players are entitled to different standards.