Real Madrid’s Vinicius says he’s being targeted by referees

Key points

• Vinicius Junior says referees target him and wants more protection for attacking players.
• He received a four-game Spanish league suspension hours before Real Madrid's Champions League match at Roma.
• Madrid coach Jose Mourinho criticized the timing of the suspension announcement.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has complained that referees are targeting him and has called for greater protection for creative players such as Lamine Yamal and Julian Alvarez. The Brazil international spoke after Real Madrid's 4-3 comeback win at Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The match took place hours after Vinicius was given a four-game suspension in the Spanish league. He was sent off for pulling an opponent's hair and for protesting against the referee.

Vinicius questions suspension

Vinicius said he did not recall any other player receiving a four-match suspension. He explained that he tried to move the player in front of him out of the way and ended up getting caught in his hair, adding that he did not say anything offensive to the referee.

He said decisions are always easy when they involve him. He noted that he has suffered 500 fouls but received only five red cards, and argued that yellow cards often go to attacking players like him, Yamal and Alvarez while defenders are allowed to foul him throughout a match.

I've been on the receiving end of 500 fouls, yet that has only resulted in five red cards.

— Vinicius Junior

Mourinho criticises timing

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho complained about when the suspension was announced. He said the team learned of it about two hours before kickoff while on the bus to the stadium, calling the timing shameful.

Vinicius, who has not scored for Madrid since August, was substituted in the 59th minute. Endrick, his replacement, scored an 85th-minute equaliser and Antonio Rudiger netted the winner in the 90th.

Form and upcoming matches

Vinicius acknowledged he is not at his peak but said he has no doubt his form and goals will return. He said he signed a six-year contract extension and is committed to helping the team.

He also said he has a great relationship with Mourinho and accepted being substituted, noting the team improved. Due to the suspension, he will miss Sunday's home match against Sevilla, the el Clasico trip to Barcelona, and away games at Racing Santander and Valencia.