The Brazilian sensation was lucky to escape a red card after a disrespectful act of aggression against RB Leipzig on Wednesday night. Players of RB Leipzig have since criticised the match officials after Vini Jr’s action went unnoticed.
Why was Vinicius Junior not shown the red card?
Real Madrid welcomed Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig for their final game of the round of 16 on Wednesday night at Santiago Bernabeu.
The hosts managed to get past the Bundesliga side when Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock in the 54th minute and put Real Madrid 2-0 up on aggregate. The Brazilian scored the conclusive goal of the tie which secured Real Madrid their spot in the quarter-finals.
It was an edgy moment for Real Madrid and their fans but luckily Vinicius Junior escaped with a yellow card even after VAR maintained the official’s decision.
The Brazilian would be thanking his stars for staying on the pitch for such a vicious act, with RB Leipzig players such as Benjamin Henrichs and Willi Orban arguing that Vinicius Jr deserved a red card.
Benjamin Henrichs said: “If one of our players went for the neck of a Real Madrid player, he’d be sent off 100%.”
Willi Orban added: “The referees donāt have the guts to put such players down. He grabs my neck with both hands. Thatās disrespectful.”
Also Read: Man City vs Copenhagen Player Ratings as Erling Haalandās flying kick secures victory
Jude Bellingham’s red card against Valencia
The English midfielder found himself at the centre of the storm when he was sent off after the final whistle in Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Valencia for protest.
Referee JesĆŗs Gil Manzano blew the final whistle when he headed Brahim Diaz’s cross into the net in the final minute of the stoppage time.
Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid staff surrounded the referee, protesting his decision in what would have been Real Madrid’s winning goal of the night.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) claimed Bellingham showed an aggressive attitude towards the official and reportedly screamed “It’s a f..ing goal”.
Now the Real Madrid midfielder, who made his return after three weeks with an ankle injury will serve a two-match suspension for showing contempt towards the referee.