Mateu Lahoz: Vinicius’ Behavior Harms the Spirit of Sports
Former Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz criticizes Vinicius Junior’s recent on-field behavior, calling it detrimental to sportsmanship and urging Real Madrid to intervene.
Mateu Lahoz, the retired Spanish football referee, has publicly criticized Vinicius Junior for his recent on-field behavior, describing it as contrary to the values of sportsmanship. Vinicius, who has faced growing scrutiny, was once again under fire following his controversial actions against Rayo Vallecano.
During Real Madrid’s recent match against Rayo Vallecano, Vinicius received a yellow card and responded by provocatively showing the number ‘2’ to the opposition fans, seemingly mocking their relegation to a lower division. This action sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike.
Lahoz commented, “We need to address Vinicius’ conduct. From my perspective, his attitude and gestures are damaging to the spirit of the game. Players of his caliber should set an example, not provoke fans or create unnecessary tension.”
Lahoz also recalled Vinicius’ behavior during the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, where he heavily protested a referee’s decision against Real Madrid. “In that moment, Vinicius’ reaction was over the top, and it was the referee’s responsibility to manage the situation earlier to avoid escalation,” Lahoz explained.
The former referee urged Real Madrid’s management to intervene and advise Vinicius on maintaining composure. “The club must have a discussion with him to prevent such incidents. It’s important to uphold professional standards and respect for the opposition,” he concluded.