Vinicius hits out at referees: "I'm constantly fouled, yet I'm the one who ends up punished"

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has launched a scathing critique of Spanish football's disciplinary chiefs and refereeing standards after being hit with a four-match domestic ban. Speaking candidly in the mixed zone following Madrid's thrilling 4-3 Champions League victory over Roma, the Brazilian forward voiced his frustration over his treatment while also offering an honest assessment of his recent form.

"They had all day to announce the decision, but they only told me the moment I arrived at the stadium. I don't understand why things are handled like this," the Brazilian said. "It's a brand new rule and nobody explained a thing to us. Referees or league officials usually come in to brief us on rule changes, but about this specific matter, we were told absolutely nothing. In the end, giving me the red card is just the easiest way out."

Reflecting on the incident that led to his dismissal, he added: "I tried to shake off the player marking me and my hand got tangled in his hair. I have never acted violently towards a fellow professional. I always try to keep my cool. I get kicked and fouled non-stop, yet I'm always the one who ends up with the card."

The forward also addressed the jeers from sections of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd, insisting he respects the supporters' right to express their feelings.

"Boos certainly don't help, but the fans pay for their tickets and have every right to make their voices heard," he admitted. "It's much better for us when we feel their support because we play so much better with the crowd behind us—myself, Kylian, Jude, the whole squad. It's easier for them to target me because I've been here for years and I'm one of the captains. I'd rather take the pressure and the whistles than see it fall on one of the younger lads."

Vinicius closed on a defiant note, expressing full confidence that he will overcome his recent slump. "I'm not worried, just frustrated with myself. I arrived at this club when I was only 18. People mocked me back then and said I'd never score goals, yet today I have over 100 goals and countless trophies in this shirt. I'm going through a rough patch, but Vini always bounces back. I'll keep working hard to fire this team back to the top."