Was Vinícius Jr’s Expulsion Unfair? Former LaLiga Referee Mateu Lahoz Has His Say

The expulsion of Vinícius Jr during Real Madrid’s fiercely contested match against Valencia has reignited debates about the application of VAR in La Liga. The controversial red card shown to the Brazilian forward after an altercation with Valencia’s goalkeeper, Dimitrievski, has drawn sharp criticism from fans, pundits, and even former referees. Among the most vocal critics is Mateu Lahoz, one of Spain’s most respected former officials, who labeled the decision as “totally untenable.”

This match was crucial for Vinícius Jr, particularly after enduring a storm of controversies, including incidents of racism in previous games. The Real Madrid forward was eager to showcase his brilliance and make a statement against Valencia. However, his night turned sour in the second half when he clashed with Dimitrievski. What began as a push from the Valencia goalkeeper escalated into a brief exchange, culminating in referee Soto Grado issuing a red card to Vinícius.

Mateu Lahoz, known for his candid opinions, analyzed the incident during an appearance on COPE. “The images provided by VAR do not justify a red card,” Lahoz asserted. He argued that the footage used to review the incident was inadequate and did not clearly demonstrate excessive force on Vinícius’ part. “With images that distant and unclear, making such a critical decision is unjustifiable,” he added.

The former referee further emphasized that for an action to warrant expulsion, it must demonstrate “excessive force” or dangerous intent—criteria he believes were absent in Vinícius’ case. “This kind of decision undermines the credibility of a competition as prestigious as La Liga,” Lahoz remarked, expressing frustration at the inconsistencies in officiating.

The incident began with Dimitrievski pushing Vinícius from behind, prompting the Brazilian to retaliate with a light shove. Despite the minimal aggression displayed, it was Vinícius who saw red. Lahoz’s colleagues on COPE also expressed their disbelief. “At most, this warranted a yellow card,” they commented, suggesting that the referee’s decision may have been influenced by the hostile atmosphere at the Mestalla.

Unequal Treatment of Vinícius Jr

The expulsion has also reignited conversations about the perceived unequal treatment of Vinícius Jr in La Liga. Over the years, the Brazilian has been a frequent target of provocation from opponents, often receiving minimal protection from referees. In contrast, players with similar or even more aggressive behavior have escaped severe punishment.

For instance, comparisons have been drawn with former Barcelona striker Luis Suárez, known for his fiery demeanor on the pitch. Despite his numerous controversial actions, Suárez rarely faced expulsions of this nature during his time in Spain. This disparity has led to questions about whether Vinícius is being unfairly singled out by officials.

“Vinícius is often left unprotected, and referees are quicker to punish him rather than address the provocations he faces,” Lahoz noted. The former referee also criticized the selective use of VAR, arguing that the technology’s inability to provide a comprehensive view of incidents often leads to flawed decisions.

Despite the apparent injustice, Lahoz urged Vinícius to remain composed during matches. “Provocation is a part of football,” he said, emphasizing that opponents exploit the Brazilian’s tendency to react emotionally. To avoid further expulsions, Vinícius must learn to maintain his focus and discipline, even in the face of hostile actions.

Real Madrid’s Resilience

Fortunately for Real Madrid, Vinícius’ expulsion did not derail their performance. Reduced to ten men, the Merengues showcased their resilience and determination, securing a 2-1 victory against Valencia. Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham were the heroes of the night, delivering crucial goals that turned the tide in Madrid’s favor.

The victory highlighted the mental fortitude of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who refused to let adversity define their performance. For Vinícius, however, the night serves as a reminder of the challenges he must navigate to continue his ascent as one of football’s brightest talents.

As the debate over his red card continues, the spotlight remains firmly on La Liga’s officiating standards. The league’s reliance on VAR, while intended to ensure fairness, has frequently come under fire for its inconsistent application. This latest incident with Vinícius Jr only adds to the growing calls for reform.

Looking Ahead

For now, Vinícius Jr must focus on bouncing back stronger. His passion and flair are integral to Real Madrid’s attack, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations will be key to his continued success. Meanwhile, the incident serves as another reminder of the pressing need for La Liga to refine its officiating standards, ensuring fairness and transparency for all players.

Mateu Lahoz’s scathing critique of the decision resonates with fans who feel Vinícius was wronged. As one of Spain’s most celebrated referees, Lahoz’s words carry weight and may spark further discussions among the league’s decision-makers.

In the broader context, the controversy underscores the emotional intensity of football, where every decision can alter the course of a match and spark widespread debate. For Vinícius Jr, this is another chapter in his journey—a test of his resilience and determination to overcome challenges both on and off the pitch.