Real Madrid are continuing their attempts to reduce or suspend Vinícius Jr’s four-match ban after his red card against Villarreal. The suspension has already ruled him out of Sunday’s 4-1 win over Sevilla and, as things stand, will keep him out for three more La Liga fixtures.
The suspension explained
Vinícius is serving a four-match suspension after receiving a straight red card during Madrid’s 1-0 win over Villarreal. He was given a two-match ban for the incident itself, with a further two matches added for protesting in “an aggressive manner” towards referee Isidro Díaz de Mera.
Matches he is set to miss
Vinícius has already missed Sunday’s 4-1 win over Sevilla. He is due to be unavailable for the next three La Liga fixtures against Barcelona on 25 October, Racing Santander on 1 November and Valencia on 7 November.
As things stand, he remains unavailable for selection in La Liga until after the November international break, when Real Madrid face Celta Vigo on 22 November.
Appeal process
Madrid’s initial appeal with the RFEF Appeals Committee was unsuccessful. The committee found no clear and obvious error in the referee's decision.
According to SPORT, Madrid consider the sanction “excessive” and have “not yet completely ruled out” the possibility of getting Vinícius back in time for Valencia as they continue to follow the appeals process. According to SPORT, Madrid’s last remaining appeal route is to take the case to the Sports Administrative Tribunal, and the club are also considering requesting “provisional measures” that would temporarily suspend the ban while the case is examined.
His form
Vinícius Jr, who has struggled for form this season, has admitted: “I’m angry with myself for not being at my best.”