Real Madrid Edge Villarreal, Vinicius Sent Off for Hair Pull
VAR overturned Vinícius Júnior’s goal and a straight red left Real Madrid with 10 men, with a possible two- to three-match ban looming.
- On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 1–0 at the Bernabéu, though forward Vinícius Júnior received a straight red card after VAR confirmed he pulled defender Nathan Saliba's hair during a disallowed goal.
- Vinícius entered as a substitute in the 52nd minute before Yan Diomande scored the match's lone goal, but the Brazilian was dismissed in the 73rd minute after his hair-pulling incident sparked an angry reaction from the Madrid bench.
- Following a pitchside VAR review, referee Isidro Díaz de Mera overturned the goal, citing violent conduct under Article 103.2 of the disciplinary code, which mandates a suspension of two to three games.
- Manager José Mourinho must reconfigure his attack for the team's next high-profile fixture, as the likely two-game suspension leaves Real Madrid six points behind league leaders Barcelona.
- The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding player discipline in LaLiga, even as Real Madrid maintained their 100% home record and third-place standing, adding pressure on Mourinho as he navigates key absences.
175 Articles
175 Articles
Radio France Internationale
Real Madrid edge Villarreal, Vinicius sent off for hair pull
Brazil international Vinicius, on as a substitute, scored but his goal was disallowed and then he was dismissed after a VAR review showed he pulled the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba. Jose Mourinho's Madrid battled through the final stages with 10 men but held on to their slender lead earned by 19-year-old winger Diomande to go provisionally third. Champions Barca lead La Liga after a 3-0 win over Getafe, while Atletico Madrid are five point…
Yan Diomande took his chance as a headline and scored Real Madrid's only goal
Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 1-0 in their La Liga Week 6 match. In the 72nd minute, Carlos Vinicius's goal was disallowed, and Vinicius Junior received a red card for pulling an opponent's hair. Following the red card, Real Madrid players confronted the referees.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
