Vinícius faces ban that could rule him out of El Clásico

Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior faces a multi-match ban after his red card against Villarreal, with the 25 October meeting with Barcelona now at risk.

What happened

Vinícius was dismissed during the incident that followed Real Madrid’s disallowed goal. Spanish disciplinary records suggest similar cases have led to suspensions of at least two matches, although one cited example involved Johan Mojica and a different type of offence.

Referee report and possible ban

The match referee wrote in his official report that, in the 73rd minute and with play stopped, Vinícius, wearing number 7 for the home side, protested loudly after the sending-off and moved aggressively towards the area where the referee was standing.

That reaction could lead to a two-game ban or more. If the disciplinary committee hands down that punishment, Vinícius would miss El Clásico on 25 October. Real Madrid are due to play Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu on 18 October before that fixture.