Vinícius Júnior could miss Real Madrid's crucial El Clásico clash with Barcelona after being dramatically sent off for pulling an opponent's hair during Saturday's narrow 1-0 victory over Villarreal.
The 26-year-old Brazilian forward was introduced as a 52nd-minute substitute at the Santiago Bernabéu but lasted just 20 minutes before being dismissed.
Following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, referee Isidro Diaz de Mera disallowed what Real Madrid thought was a decisive second goal and showed Vinícius a straight red card for an off-the-ball altercation with Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba.
Under Law 12 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, pulling an opponent's hair falls strictly under 'Violent Conduct'. This offence guarantees a straight red card.
The Spanish Football Federation's regulations dictate that violent conduct carries a potential suspension of between one and three matches.
Real Madrid's next three La Liga fixtures are against Sevilla, Barcelona, and Racing Santander. A ban of two or more games would officially rule the winger out of the highly anticipated October 25 trip to face their fierce rivals.
The forward took to social media following the match to issue an apology, but also hinted at his underlying frustrations with the officiating.
"The joy continues... Sorry to my team and the fans," Vinícius wrote on Instagram, before later sharing a montage of tackles against him accompanied by a complaint about being repeatedly fouled.
For Madrid, losing their star attacker for El Clásico would be a bitter blow. The immediate priority for the club is awaiting the disciplinary committee's final decision on the precise length of the ban.
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