LOOK: Vinicius Junior looks for a referee after a red card: the suspension he could face

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior received the third red card of his career on Friday night after pushing Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the face. The Real Madrid star did not remain calm either.

Following a VAR review, Vinicius received a red card from the referee and had to be restrained by teammate Antonio Rudiger and a member of staff, after attempting to chase the referee.

The expulsion of Vinicius. #LaCasaDelFútbol #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/vseQFvgeZt

— Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) January 3, 2025

That could have been fortunate for Vinicius, who faces a minimum two-match ban for his expulsion, according to Relevo. Depending on whether the CTA considers the incident an ‘assault’ rather than violent conduct, that sanction could be extended to up to four games, and two more games could be added for his protests, although it is not yet clear whether he will be sanctioned for his protests or No.

Vini Jr’s reaction to his expulsion 🚨#ValenciaVsRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/puGKZ46pMb

—Mireia Roig (@emeroig) January 3, 2025

The sanction that will be imposed will probably not be known until Tuesday, as Monday is a national holiday and Los Blancos may not receive the sanction before the Copa del Rey clash against Deportiva Minera. The suspension of two to four games could apply in the Cup, the Spanish Super Cup or La Liga, which could exclude him from the entire second competition, while the two games for protests can only be applied in La Liga.

If it weren’t for Rüdiger, Vinicius would have punched the referee. He behaves like this in all games. People need to wake up, this guy is not a saint. pic.twitter.com/9jyryW7N0h

— – (@MusialaEra) January 3, 2025

It should be noted that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated that the club will appeal the decision, considering that his original pressure on Dimitrievski was harshly judged. The next six games in which Vinicius could serve a suspension will be against Deportiva Minera (Cup), RCD Mallorca (Spanish Super Cup, with possible final), Las Palmas, Real Valladolid, Espanyol and Atlético de Madrid (La Liga). Between those ties, Real Madrid closes its Champions League campaign against RB Salzburg and Brest, although Vinicius will not be suspended for those games.