Mourinho skips post‑match press conference after Vinicius Junior’s red card, sparking suspension worries ahead of El Clásico

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho refused to attend the mandatory post‑match press conference on Saturday after his side secured a 1‑0 win over Villarreal, protesting the red card shown to winger Vinícius Júnior. The Portuguese coach’s boycott could trigger a disciplinary sanction from La Liga, while the Brazilian faces a multi‑match ban that threatens to keep him out of the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona on October 25.

The match appeared routine until the 72nd minute, when Vinícius, who had come off the bench to score the only goal, celebrated exuberantly with Mourinho on the touchline. A VAR review then cancelled the goal and issued a straight red after the referee determined the Brazilian had pulled the hair of Villarreal midfielder Nathan Saliba during the build‑up.

Vinícius, 26, has struggled for consistency this season and was only the second Real player to be sent off under Mourinho’s tenure. The disciplinary committee will now decide the length of his suspension, with the club warning that the ban could extend to three games, effectively ruling him out of the high‑stakes clash with Barcelona.

Mourinho, visibly angry, left the stadium immediately after the final whistle and ignored the league’s requirement to face the official broadcaster. “I will not sit in front of a microphone while my player is punished for a decision that was clearly wrong,” he reportedly told his staff, according to sources close to the camp.

Mourinho skips conference as Rot‑carded Vinicius Junior helps Real

Real Madrid confirmed the coach’s absence to AFP, adding that the club will cooperate fully with any investigation. La Liga’s disciplinary board has already opened a case against Mourinho for “failure to comply with post‑match obligations,” a breach that can attract a fine of up to €30,000 and a possible suspension.

A La Liga spokesperson said, “The regulations are clear: every head coach must attend the post‑match press conference. We will review the circumstances and apply the appropriate sanction.” The statement also noted that the league will announce Vinícius’ suspension length within 48 hours.

The incident adds to a growing list of Mourinho’s confrontations with officials since taking over the Merengues. Last season he was fined for a heated exchange with a referee after the Madrid‑Sevilla derby, and his refusal to attend press duties has previously resulted in a two‑match touchline ban.

Vini Jr faces El Clásico ban after red card against Villarreal

Real’s preparation for the Barcelona showdown now hangs in the balance. Without Vinícius, Mourinho may be forced to rely on younger options such as Álvaro Rodríguez, while the coach himself could be sidelined from the media duties that accompany the biggest fixture of the Spanish calendar.

Both clubs will be watching the disciplinary outcomes closely, as any further penalties could tilt the competitive balance ahead of what is expected to be a tightly contested El Clásico.