“I don’t think it’s fair” - Barcelona star hits out at lenient two-match suspension given to Real Madrid rival Vinicius Jr

Barcelona centre-back Inigo Martinez has criticized the lenient two-match ban levied on Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. after the latter's red card against Valencia. The Brazilian was sent off (79') for slapping goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski on his head in their 2-1 win over Los Ches on January 3.

Despite being considered among the best players in the world today, Vinicius Jr. has often faced trouble for his antics on the pitch. According to the official report by referee Cesar Soto Grado, Vinicius was sent off for "hitting an opponent on the head deliberately, without the ball in play, and using non-negligible force." Valencia goalkeeper Dimitrievski also received a yellow for "arguing with an opponent without resorting to insults or threats."

However, Vinicius' antics were not deemed as acts of aggression. His original ban, which could have lasted between four and 12 games, was therefore reduced to only a two-game ban. This means the Real Madrid ace will be available to play in the Supercopa de Espana final if Los Blancos qualify.

According to quotes shared by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona star Inigo Martinez was critical of Vinicius Jr.'s ban being for only two games. The Spaniard said (via Madrid Universal):

"I don’t think it’s fair either. There was a sanction, a few years ago, where I was given four games for much less and the issue was not discussed and others were given much less. These are things that others decide and that are not in our hands."

It is unclear which ban Martinez is talking about. Given that he joined Barcelona in July 2023, he's likely talking about an incident when he was at Athletic Club (2018-2023).

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"Look at Messi, he got kicked all the time" - Ruud Gullit advises Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. to emulate Barcelona legend's behavior

Vinicius Jr. - Source: Getty

In an interview with Ziggo Sport, former Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit has advised Vinicius Jr. to follow Barcelona legend Lionel Messi's example on the pitch. Criticizing the Brazilian's behavior, he said:

"I understand Vinicius feels like he got screwed by the goalkeeper but that same behavior applies to Vinicius too. If you provoke the opponent, then you simply can't expect sympathy. You just need to learn to shut up. Look at Messi, he got kicked all the time too and he just got up and kept on playing."

"But Vinicius constantly keeps complaining, constantly keeps provoking, toying with the opposite fans, yea.. then you are going to get it. And I'm sure Real Madrid tell him this too, but it looks like he just can't let go of this behavior," he added.

Despite his antics, Vinicius's ban reduction is a major boost for Real Madrid as they will look to beat Mallorca in the second semi-final before facing Barcelona in the Supercopa final.

Last season, Vinicius led Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory after scoring a hat-trick against the Catalans in the Supercopa final. Rodrygo sealed the deal with the fourth goal for the Spanish giants.