The dramatic expulsion of Vinícius Jr during Real Madrid’s high-stakes match against Valencia has sparked renewed scrutiny over VAR’s role in La Liga. The Brazilian forward was shown a controversial red card following a clash with Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, a decision that has drawn backlash from fans, analysts, and even former referees. One of the most outspoken critics is Mateu Lahoz, a respected former La Liga official, who described the ruling as “completely unjustifiable.”
A Match Marred by Controversy
This game held significant importance for Vinícius Jr, particularly after enduring persistent controversies, including racist abuse in prior matches. Determined to make his mark, the forward’s night took a dramatic turn in the second half when he was involved in an altercation with Dimitrievski. What started as a push from the goalkeeper escalated, leading referee Soto Grado to issue a straight red card to Vinícius.
Speaking on COPE, Lahoz expressed his dismay at the decision, pointing out that the VAR footage used to assess the incident lacked clarity. “The images provided do not justify a red card,” Lahoz argued. “When the visuals are unclear and distant, making such a critical decision becomes indefensible.”
Was the Punishment Fair?
Lahoz emphasized that a red card should only be issued if an incident demonstrates "excessive force" or dangerous intent—criteria he believes were absent in Vinícius’ case. He warned that such decisions undermine La Liga’s credibility. Other analysts on COPE echoed Lahoz’s sentiments, suggesting that at most, the situation warranted a yellow card, and speculated that the referee might have been influenced by the hostile crowd at Mestalla.
The incident unfolded when Dimitrievski shoved Vinícius from behind, prompting a minor retaliation from the Real Madrid player. Despite the minimal aggression, it was Vinícius who faced ejection, leaving many to question the fairness of the call.
A Broader Issue: Unequal Treatment of Vinícius Jr
The controversy has also reignited discussions about the perceived inequitable treatment of Vinícius in La Liga. Over the years, the Brazilian has often been a target of provocation, with referees providing limited protection. Critics argue that similar behavior by other players has not resulted in such harsh punishments.
Comparisons have been drawn to former Barcelona striker Luis Suárez, known for his aggressive antics on the field, yet rarely subjected to expulsions of this nature. This disparity has raised concerns about possible bias against Vinícius. Lahoz himself noted, “Vinícius is frequently left unprotected, and referees are quicker to penalize him rather than address the provocations he faces.”
Moving Forward
Despite the setback, Real Madrid showcased their resilience, overcoming the disadvantage of being a man down to secure a 2-1 victory over Valencia. Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham stepped up with decisive goals, underlining the team’s determination and mental strength.
For Vinícius, this incident is a lesson in maintaining composure under pressure. Lahoz urged the young forward to focus on discipline, noting that opponents often exploit his emotional reactions. “Provocation is part of football,” Lahoz remarked, encouraging Vinícius to channel his energy into his performance rather than responding to taunts.
A Call for Change in La Liga
The controversy surrounding Vinícius’ red card highlights ongoing issues with VAR and officiating in La Liga. While the technology aims to ensure fairness, its inconsistent application has drawn criticism from players and fans alike. Mateu Lahoz’s pointed remarks are likely to fuel further discussions about the need for reform in how matches are officiated.
As the dust settles, Vinícius Jr must turn his focus to bouncing back stronger. His talent and passion are critical to Real Madrid’s success, and navigating challenges with composure will be vital to his growth. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness and consistency in officiating—a standard that
La Liga must strive to uphold.