Vinicius challenges Díaz de Mera after a straight red at the Bernabeu
At the Santiago Bernabéu, Vinicius Jr. reacted furiously when the referee showed him a straight red card for an alleged assault on Saliba, canceling the goal he had just scored. After the whistle, the Brazilian turned to Díaz de Mera demanding explanations.
Protests and tensions at the Bernabéu
Ángel Martínez and Pablo Planas, present on the coaching staff, watched the scene while reminding that there will be no quiet season for the forward. Vinicius, visibly upset, directed his protest straight at Díaz de Mera, the team's disciplinary officer.
Since the arrival of the ‘big partner’ Kylian Mbappé, the club has sought to reinforce the Brazilian, but the Ballon d'Or loss to Rodri Hernández has turned Vinicius into a recurring meme, remembered with the beach ball that appeared in the collective memory. The episode has sparked internal debate about the direction of the sporting project.
The club's dilemma and the shadow of the signing
The dilemma at the Santiago Bernabéu is clear: Vinicius's low performance contrasts with the good vibes generated by Yan Diomande, whose rise has been aided by the international break. The coach has noted that the Brazilian's lack of rhythm worries the coaching staff.
Many fans called for the starting place of the Ivorian player, whose €140 million signing this summer has yet to be justified, and the whistles from the Bernabéu stands were a clear sign of discontent.
Kylian Mbappé, for his part, made express trips to Paris under the pretext of an injury that ultimately turned out to be nonexistent, while Valverde overcame an alleged grade‑III injury and returned to the full 90 minutes as if nothing.
Vinicius had to wait until the second half to return to the pitch and silence the criticism. Upon entering, he displayed his power and audacity, struck a Bellingham pass with speed and celebrated the goal with evident rage.
José Mourinho, trying to show his support, ran down the flank in a jog ‘race’, but the sequence turned surreal when the referee, after consulting the VAR, disallowed the goal and showed a straight red to Vinicius for aggression. See to believe the scene that left the Brazilian without participation.
The Brazilian, stunned and angry, turned again to Díaz de Mera, jeopardising his availability for the 25 October Classic, a match in which his presence is now in doubt.