Controversial Incident Involving Vinicius Junior Ignites Real Madrid's Fury
A contentious penalty decision involving Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid's 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano has sparked significant debate and frustration within the club.
In the 75th minute of Real Madrid's recent La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, a controversial incident involving forward Vinicius Junior has become a focal point of discussion. Vinicius, who entered the game as a substitute in the 63rd minute, was involved in a contentious play inside the penalty area. As he maneuvered to control a pass from Jude Bellingham, Rayo defender Abdul Mumin attempted to clear the ball but made contact with Vinicius's leg instead.
Despite appeals from Real Madrid players and staff, referee Martínez Munuera did not award a penalty, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) chose not to intervene. This decision has been met with criticism from various quarters. Former referee and current analyst Iturralde González stated, "For me, this is a clear penalty because the Rayo player attempts to clear the ball but ends up striking Vinicius's leg." He further expressed that VAR should have alerted the on-field referee to review the incident.
Adding to the controversy, Vinicius received a yellow card earlier in the match for vehemently protesting a non-call on a foul against teammate Arda Güler. This booking, his fifth of the season, results in an automatic suspension, causing him to miss Real Madrid's upcoming match against Sevilla.
Real Madrid's official television channel has also criticized the officiating, suggesting that the team was subjected to unfair treatment. The club's frustration is palpable, as these decisions have significant implications for their ongoing La Liga campaign.