Vinícius Complains About the Fouls He Suffers: "They Have the Right to Hit Me"
Vinícius Júnior criticized the treatment he receives from referees and defenders following Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Roma. The Brazilian also questioned his four-match suspension in LaLiga.
Vinícius Júnior once again expressed his frustration with refereeing decisions following Real Madrid's thrilling 4-3 victory over Roma on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League.
The Brazilian forward claimed that opposing defenders are allowed to repeatedly foul him without facing consequences, while he is often the one who ends up receiving a yellow card.
"Defenders have every right to hit me throughout the entire match, and in the end, I'm the one who gets booked," he said in the mixed zone.
Vinícius acknowledged that opposing fans have the right to boo him but questioned refereeing decisions and called for greater protection for creative players such as Lamine Yamal and Julián Álvarez.
Vinícius Questions His Four-Match LaLiga Suspension
The forward also addressed the four-match ban he received following his dismissal against Villarreal, when he pulled Nathan Saliba's hair.
Vinícius explained that he was simply trying to move the defender out of his way and insisted that the contact with his hair was accidental.
He also expressed surprise at the severity of the punishment, claiming that he had never been informed of a rule that would justify such a lengthy suspension.
The Brazilian denied insulting the referee and suggested that he is often judged more harshly than other players.
Vinícius Acknowledges His Struggles and Discusses Mourinho
Beyond the controversy, Vinícius praised Real Madrid's comeback against Roma, describing the result as an important step toward restoring the team's confidence.
The forward was substituted in the 59th minute, with the Spanish side trailing 3-1, and visibly expressed his frustration as he left the field.
However, he admitted that the substitutions proved effective and praised youngsters Endrick and Carlos Espí, who helped turn the match around.
He also acknowledged that he is going through a difficult period individually.
"I know I'm not at my best. I've been through worse moments, and many people have doubted me," he said.
Finally, Vinícius insisted that he maintains a good relationship with his coach, José Mourinho, despite their disagreement over his substitution.
The Brazilian acknowledged that the manager made the right decision and remains confident that he will soon rediscover his best form to continue helping Real Madrid.
Key Takeaways
- Vinícius criticized referees for failing to protect him from repeated fouls.
- The Brazilian questioned his four-match LaLiga suspension.
- Real Madrid came from behind to defeat Roma 4-3 in the Champions League.
- Vinícius was substituted in the 59th minute with his team trailing 3-1.
- The forward admitted that he is not currently performing at his best.
- José Mourinho received the Brazilian's support despite his frustration over being substituted.
