Clasico CE: Vinicius threatened with absence after his hair-pulling

In the Villarreal stadium on October 10, 2026, Vinicius Jr. saw his goal disallowed and then received a direct red card for pulling Dylan Saliba’s hair, under the eye of the VAR. Referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos deemed the gesture violent, opening the door to a suspension of at least two matches, which could deprive him of the Clasico Ce against Barça on October 25.

Match facts

Vinicius, who came on in the 51ᵉ minute, first restored the lead for Real Madrid by taking part in the build‑up to Yan Diomande’s goal in the 62ᵉ minute, then finished the counter‑attack in the 71ᵉ minute. However, the VAR reviewed the incident and found that the Brazilian had pulled Saliba’s hair before the ball was in play, resulting in the second goal being disallowed and the player being sent off.

Disciplinary consequences

According to former Spanish referee Iturralde González, the gesture constitutes a form of brutality and justifies a red card. The IFAB regulations describe this type of act as violent, even without contact with the ball. The Spanish press indicates that a suspension of two to three matches is likely, with estimates reaching up to four matches according to some analysts.

VAR drama changes Real Madrid's lead against Villarreal

If the minimum sanction applies, Vinicius will miss the match against Sevilla on October 18 (9ᵉ matchday) and the Clasico Ce on October 25 (10ᵉ matchday). A possible aggravation, for example for protests towards the referee, could extend the ban.

Vinicius posted on Instagram, via the Pressinphoto / Icon Sport account, an apology to his teammates and Real Madrid supporters, stating: “I am still happy… I want to apologise to my teammates and the Real Madrid fans.”

The club will therefore have to rely on Yan Diomande, who scored the decisive goal against Villarreal, to fill the left‑wing position in Vinicius’s absence.