Vinícius Jr.’s red card in Real Madrid’s intense clash with Valencia has reignited discussions around the use of VAR in La Liga. The Brazilian forward’s expulsion, following an altercation with Valencia’s goalkeeper Dimitrievski, has been met with widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and former referees.
One of the most vocal critics is Mateu Lahoz, a respected former official, who described the decision as “completely untenable.”
This match was particularly important for Vinícius Jr., who had faced a series of controversies, including instances of racism in earlier games. Eager to make a statement, his night took a turn for the worse in the second half after a clash with Dimitrievski. What began as a push from the goalkeeper quickly escalated, leading to a brief confrontation and a red card for Vinícius.
Lahoz, speaking on COPE, argued that the VAR footage did not justify the red card. He pointed out that the images were distant and unclear, making it unreasonable to base such a significant decision on them.
He emphasized that for a red card to be warranted, there must be “excessive force” or dangerous intent, neither of which he saw in this instance. Lahoz criticized the decision for undermining La Liga’s credibility, highlighting inconsistencies in officiating.
The incident began when Dimitrievski shoved Vinícius from behind, prompting a mild retaliation from the Brazilian. Despite the relatively minor nature of the altercation, it was Vinícius who was sent off. Lahoz’s colleagues on COPE also questioned the decision, suggesting that a yellow card would have been more appropriate and speculating that the referee may have been influenced by the charged atmosphere at the Mestalla.
The incident has also reignited concerns about the unequal treatment of Vinícius Jr. in La Liga. The Brazilian has long been the target of provocations from opponents, often without adequate protection from referees.
In contrast, players like former Barcelona striker Luis Suárez, known for his aggressive on-field behavior, rarely faced such severe punishment. This disparity has led to accusations that Vinícius is unfairly singled out.
Lahoz noted that referees are quick to penalize Vinícius without addressing the provocations he faces. He also criticized the selective use of VAR, suggesting that its limitations often lead to poor decisions.
However, Lahoz urged Vinícius to remain composed, stressing that provocation is part of football and that his emotional reactions could be exploited by opponents. To avoid further expulsions, Vinícius must learn to maintain his discipline under pressure.
Despite the setback, Real Madrid managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Valencia, with Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham scoring key goals. This victory showcased the team’s resilience, as they overcame the challenge of playing with ten men.
For Vinícius, the match serves as a reminder of the obstacles he must overcome in his quest to become one of the game’s top talents.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for improvements in La Liga’s officiating standards. While VAR was introduced to ensure fairness, its inconsistent use has drawn repeated criticism, and this latest controversy with Vinícius only adds to the demand for reform.
Looking forward, Vinícius Jr. must focus on bouncing back stronger. His flair and passion are vital to Real Madrid’s attack, and maintaining composure in high-pressure moments will be key to his ongoing success. Meanwhile, the debate over his red card highlights the need for La Liga to refine its officiating system to ensure fairness and transparency for all players.
Lahoz’s pointed criticism resonates with fans who feel Vinícius was unfairly punished. As one of Spain’s most respected referees, Lahoz’s comments carry significant weight and may prompt further reflection among the league’s decision-makers.
Ultimately, this controversy underscores the emotional intensity of football, where a single decision can shift the outcome of a match and spark widespread debate. For Vinícius Jr., this is yet another challenge on his journey—testing his resilience and determination both on and off the pitch.
