Starting a new year on a positive note is something everyone hopes for. Plans are made, goals are set. Vinícius Júnior surely had similar aspirations, especially on the field. Scoring in the first match of the year would have been ideal. Instead, he was shown a red card—straightaway.
To make matters worse, Vinícius reacted angrily, charging toward the referee. The reason for the card? Not a footballing foul, but an off-the-ball incident. He struck Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski on the neck. The situation escalated to the point where Antonio Rüdiger had to intervene and hold him back. Who knows what might have happened otherwise?
Despite the drama, Real Madrid managed to start the year with a 2-1 win against Valencia at the Mestalla in La Liga. However, for Vinícius, the year began with a mix of anger, aggression, a red card, and a half-hearted apology. It’s safe to say no footballer—let alone a FIFA Best award winner—would want to start their year this way. But, unintentionally, that’s exactly how it began for this year’s FIFA Best awardee.
Vinícius later posted an apology on X (formerly Twitter), keeping it brief and seemingly impersonal: “Sorry and thanks to the team.” But the tone left Valencia fans questioning how sincere he truly was, especially given his turbulent history with the Mestalla crowd.
In May 2023, he faced racist abuse at the same stadium, which led to him losing his temper and receiving a red card. In March of the same year, he was called a “monkey” by a minor in the same venue. Mestalla has been a place of consistent disappointment for Vinícius, as both red cards in his Real Madrid career have come there.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating, “We believe it wasn’t a red card but rather two yellow cards.” He further explained, “Dimitrievski touched him first, and Vinícius pushed back. Two yellows would’ve sufficed. We’ll appeal and see if the authorities accept it. He’s a crucial player for us, so we’re hopeful.”
Whether Vinícius faces suspension depends on referee César Soto Grado’s report. According to Spanish media outlet AS, if Vinícius is found guilty under Article 103 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, he could be banned for up to four matches.
The incident unfolded in the 76th minute. While on his knees in the Valencia box, Vinícius appealed for a penalty. At that moment, Dimitrievski approached from behind and pulled Vinícius’ hair. Angered, Vinícius retaliated by striking Dimitrievski on the neck, near his right ear. Former Spanish referee Eduardo Iturralde explained to AS that the red card was issued because Vinícius made contact with Dimitrievski’s face. He clarified, “If it were a push to the chest, it would’ve been a yellow. But touching the face is an automatic red.”
Referee Soto Grado reviewed the incident on the VAR monitor and issued a straight red card to Vinícius, who then angrily confronted him. It took Rüdiger and Dani Ceballos to escort Vinícius off the pitch and into the tunnel.
If the incident is not deemed severe, Vinícius’ punishment could be reduced to a two- or three-match ban. However, the start of 2024 has already left a mark on the Real Madrid star—a year he’ll want to turn around quickly.
