Vini Jr, ex-Flamengo, is suspended for two games after expulsion in Spain

A expulsion of striker Vini Jr, from Real Madrid's game against Valencia last weekend resulted in a two-match suspension in La Liga. The best player in the world, according to FIFA, will be left out of the clashes against Las Palmas (19/01) and Valladolid(25/01) . However, the punishment does not affect his participation in the Spanish Super Cup, and he is free to face Mallorca this Thursday (9), at 4pm (Brasília time). According to the newspaper Marca, the Merengue club intends to appealthe decision.

Suspension details

The punishment imposed on Vini Jr was based on Article 130 of the Regulamento Esportivo de La Liga, which considers the act as “sports violence”. If it were covered by Article 103, referring to more serious attacks, the penalty could reach up to 12 games. The Competitions Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) opted to apply the minimum suspension.

Even so, the Real Madrid questions the judgment, arguing that the provocation made by Valencia goalkeeper Dimitrievski, who started the confusion, was not taken into account. The club is looking to reverse the suspension before the clash with Las Palmas.

Ancelotti's controversy and reaction

During the game against Valencia, Vini Jr reacted to a provocation from Dimitrievski, pushing his opponent. The referee César Soto Grado interpreted the gesture as aggression, sending the Brazilian off. After the episode, Vini apologized to the squad, but expressed dissatisfaction with the rigor of the refereeing and the hostile environment at the Mestalla stadium.

Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, came to the attacker's defense, highlighting the challenges that Vini faces, mainly, frequent cases of racism:

“It is very difficult to be Vinícius. Put up with all the insults and everything that has ever happened. It's not that easy, but he tries to improve and handle it all. And I keep thinking that, in Valencia, this was a yellow card”, said the Italian coach.

Vini Jr's next games

In addition to the Spanish Super Cup, Vini will be able to play in the Champions League clash against RB Salzburg, on January 22, as the punishment only applies to Spanish Championship matches. If Real Madrid beat Mallorca, the player will still participate in the Super Cup final, scheduled for next Sunday (12), against the winner of Barcelona x Athletic Bilbao.

Provocation by Pablo Maffeo

Before the Super Cup game, Mallorca's right-back, Pablo Maffeo, who has a history of disagreements with Vini Jr, made an unusual provocation. In a video that circulated on social media, the player stated that, in a boxing fight against the Brazilian, the knockout would happen in "10 seconds".

Meanwhile, Vini continues to be one of Real Madrid's main names, trying to maintain focus on the next decisive commitments of the season.