Mateu Lahoz Criticizes Vinicius After Controversial Gesture: “This Is Not Good”

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has once again found himself in the eye of a storm after his controversial behavior during a tense match against Rayo Vallecano on Matchday 17 of La Liga.

The Brazilian winger, visibly frustrated by the officiating, made a provocative gesture toward the home fans as he left the pitch. The incident has ignited intense debates in Spanish football circles, with former referee Mateu Lahoz among those publicly criticizing the player’s actions.

The match against Rayo Vallecano was anything but smooth for Vinicius. The game saw a series of contentious refereeing decisions, and Vinicius appeared to be particularly targeted by the opposing defense. Despite his immense talent, his emotional response became the focal point after the game. As he exited the pitch, Vinicius made a symbolic two-finger gesture toward the Vallecas crowd, implying that Rayo would be relegated to the second division by the season’s end. This act has now overshadowed the game itself.

Mateu Lahoz, a former top Spanish referee who retired in June 2023, did not mince words when analyzing the incident. Speaking on Movistar, where he now regularly provides insights into officiating and football matters, Lahoz expressed his disappointment in Vinicius’ conduct. “This situation with Vinicius must be addressed,” Lahoz began. “What he did is not good for the sport. Players have to understand the power of their actions, especially at this level.”

Lahoz also criticized the refereeing decisions that may have contributed to Vinicius’ frustration. He pointed to an incident involving Rayo defender Florian Lejeune, who tugged at Vinicius’ jersey immediately after his introduction to the game. “Lejeune committed a clear tactical foul, but the advantage rule wasn’t applied. The referee should have stopped play and sanctioned the foul. Instead, this decision—or lack of it—led to Vinicius’ reaction,” Lahoz explained.

However, Lahoz emphasized that Vinicius’ response, regardless of the circumstances, remains unacceptable. He added, “A player of his caliber must show better restraint. His actions set an example, whether he realizes it or not. This is not the kind of behavior we want to see in football.”

The backlash against Vinicius has not been limited to Lahoz. Prominent Spanish journalist José María García also weighed in, criticizing the Brazilian’s temperament. García described Vinicius as an extraordinary talent whose behavior undermines both his image and that of Real Madrid. “This is madness,” García remarked. “A club as prestigious as Real Madrid should have addressed this issue long ago. This lack of foresight reflects poorly on the institution.”

García went further by comparing Vinicius to his teammate Rodrygo, who, in his view, embodies a calmer and more professional demeanor. “Look at someone like Rodrygo—talented, respectful, and composed. He doesn’t let these situations get the better of him,” García said. “The family environment and personal attitude play a huge role in shaping a player’s behavior on and off the pitch.”

The journalist also accused Real Madrid of enabling Vinicius’ behavior. “If Vinicius weren’t playing for Real Madrid, he wouldn’t last 90 minutes in a match. Against Rayo, he should have been sent off. The referees seem reluctant to take firm action, and that is a mistake.” García’s comments highlight a growing concern that Vinicius’ reputation may be influencing officiating decisions.

Critics argue that while Vinicius’ immense talent is undeniable, his frequent emotional outbursts threaten to overshadow his performances. His ability to score goals, create opportunities, and thrill fans remains unquestioned, but his disciplinary record is becoming an increasing cause for concern. García concluded by pointing out that Vinicius’ greatest opponent is himself. “His qualities are exceptional, but his behavior is holding him back. He is his own worst enemy.”

Mateu Lahoz echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting that Vinicius must take responsibility for his actions to grow as a player and a role model. “Football needs players like Vinicius—talented, exciting, and unique. But he must learn to control himself. If not, his career will always be overshadowed by these incidents.”

The controversy surrounding Vinicius raises larger questions about the pressures elite players face and how they react to adversity. Vinicius, only 24 years old, has already established himself as one of Real Madrid’s key players. Yet, his emotional responses continue to divide opinion among fans, pundits, and former players alike.

Supporters of Vinicius argue that his frustration is understandable, given the treatment he receives on the pitch. He is often the target of aggressive defensive tactics, and referees have been accused of not offering him sufficient protection. However, his detractors insist that his reaction only adds fuel to the fire, making him an easier target for both opponents and critics.

Real Madrid’s management now faces a delicate challenge. On one hand, Vinicius remains a vital part of their attacking force and one of the most marketable stars in global football. On the other hand, the club cannot afford for his behavior to undermine its reputation or disrupt team harmony. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has previously defended Vinicius, but repeated incidents may force a stronger response.

The debate surrounding Vinicius’ behavior is far from over. Spanish football has seen similar controversies in the past, where immensely talented players struggled to balance their emotions with their brilliance on the pitch. Whether Vinicius can learn from this experience and emerge stronger remains to be seen.

For now, the focus will shift to how Vinicius reacts in the coming matches. With a suspension already confirmed for the next game against Sevilla, the Brazilian will have time to reflect on the incident. Real Madrid fans will hope that he returns with a renewed focus, ready to let his football do the talking.

In the world of football, where emotions run high and every action is scrutinized, players like Vinicius walk a fine line between passion and provocation. His talent is unquestionable, but the challenge lies in harnessing that passion to elevate his game rather than allowing it to create unnecessary controversies.

Mateu Lahoz’s words serve as a stark reminder for Vinicius: actions on the pitch extend beyond the 90 minutes. As one of Real Madrid’s brightest stars, he has a responsibility not just to his team but also to the sport itself. Whether he heeds that advice will shape his legacy in the years to come.