Cucurella scolds the referee after Vinicius's red card and warns the VAR
Marc Cucurella, Spanish international of Real Madrid, warned referee Díaz de Mera Fernando after the Brazilian Vinicius Jr. was sent off in the match against Villarreal. The sanction came after a hair pull on Saliba that the referee did not initially see, but VAR confirmed.
The incident and Cucurella's reaction
Vinicius had scored a goal that was ultimately not counted and, in the subsequent play, got rid of Saliba with a hair pull. VAR intervened, showed the red card and referee Díaz de Mera confirmed it, generating a huge uproar.
The cameras caught Cucurella, angry, addressing the referee and saying: “I hope that if they touch my hair you give him the red. You go to VAR.” The defender, known for his long hair, expressed his displeasure with the decision.
Vinicius challenges Díaz de Mera after a straight red at the Bernabeu
Vinicius's dismissal puts his presence in the upcoming El Clásico in doubt, as he faces almost certain suspension, according to information from EFE and journalist Pablo Planas.
Cucurella recalled a similar experience when he was at Chelsea during the 2025 Club World Cup final, when the Portuguese Bernardo Silva pulled his hair and also received a sanction.
Vinicius slams double refereeing after disallowed Villarreal goal