The final decision rests with the Spanish disciplinary committee. The key question is how the Brazilian’s offence is classified. Spanish media currently expect Vinícius could receive a two- or three-match league ban for violent conduct.
From apparent 2-0 to a red card
Vinícius had started on the bench for the first time this season. José Mourinho introduced the 26-year-old in the 52nd minute, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Soon afterwards, Real took the lead through Yan Diomandé. In the 70th minute, Vinícius then appeared to have settled the game himself. After a quick attacking move, the winger scored what looked like the 2-0 and celebrated accordingly.
Then VAR intervened.
At the beginning of the move, Vinícius had been involved in a duel with Villarreal’s Nathan Saliba and clearly pulled his opponent by the hair. Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera initially missed the incident before being called to the monitor.
The review produced a double setback for Real: the goal was disallowed and Vinícius was shown a straight red card.
The Brazilian reacted angrily and had to be restrained by several teammates as he left the pitch. Real nevertheless survived the closing stages and held on for the 1-0 win.
A two-match ban would already rule him out of the Clásico
Attention now turns to the disciplinary ruling. According to several Spanish outlets, Article 103.2 of the disciplinary code could be applied. It covers violent conduct outside the context of a normal challenge or in situations where there is no realistic attempt to play the ball, and can lead to a two- or three-match suspension.
Only one LaLiga fixture remains before the Clásico: Real host Sevilla on October 18. One week later, on October 25, they travel to Camp Nou to face Barcelona.
A two-match league ban would therefore automatically rule Vinícius out against both Sevilla and Barça. Any Champions League fixture in between would not affect the suspension, as domestic bans are served in national competitions.
If the offence is punished with only one game, however, Vinícius would be available for the Clásico. The exact wording of the referee’s report and the legal classification of the incident will therefore be decisive.
Angry protests could also matter
Vinícius’ behaviour after the dismissal could also be examined separately. The Real forward protested vehemently and had to be calmed down by teammates.
Spanish media are therefore waiting for the full referee’s report. If it includes an additional mention of disrespectful behaviour towards the referee, a further sanction would theoretically be possible.
Former referee Iturralde González believes an appeal against the red card itself would have little chance of success. The television footage clearly shows Vinícius pulling Saliba’s hair, and the action was unrelated to any realistic attempt to play the ball.
Real can hardly afford to lose him
Sportingly, a Clásico suspension would come at a particularly bad moment. Real have already lost ground on Barcelona in LaLiga. The Catalans beat Getafe 3-0 on Saturday and remain perfect after eight matches with 24 points.
Real, meanwhile, are on 18 points after their narrow 1-0 win over Villarreal and trail the leaders by six.
Vinícius himself is also still searching for his best form after the World Cup. His unexpected place on the bench against Villarreal was already a sign that Mourinho is currently experimenting with different options.
Now the selection issue may resolve itself for the coming weeks. Vinícius will definitely miss the next league game against Sevilla. Whether he can return for the first Clásico of the season will only be known once the Spanish federation delivers its verdict.
