Vinicius Junior gets his first red card for slapping Hugo Duro

Real Madrid star, Vinicius Junior was shown his first La Liga red card for slapping Valencia star, Hugo Duro during a match last night.

It began with Vinicius on the ball, dribbling down Real Madrid’s left side, when a second ball was thrown onto the pitch from the crowd. Valencia defender Eray Comert went to kick that ball off, and whether intentionally or not did so straight at Vinicius, striking the other ball at the forward’s feet. The result was a yellow card for Comert and a free kick for Madrid, but it didn’t end there.

As Madrid prepared to take the set piece, Vinicius began pointing animatedly at a fan in the crowd behind the goal. It was obvious that something had been said. After long discussions with teammates and referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, who asked if Vinicius wanted play to be suspended, the game continued, with the crowd being warned over the stadium megaphone about racist abuse.

Later, in time added on, a mass brawl in the Valencia box ended with Vinicius being sent off following a red card for slapping Valencia’s Hugo Duro. There was then a further confrontation with the Valencia bench on Vinicius’ way off the pitch.

Real Madrid eventually lost the match 1-0 to Valencia.

Vinicius has been subjected to racist abuse on an alarmingly regular basis in the 2022-23 campaign, with eight complaints already filed by La Liga.

Racist Abuse to Vinicius Jr once again, and another time in La Liga

Effigys, Racist Banners and Chants

Valencia, Mallorca, Atleti, Barca and Valladolid

Mario Balotelli had racism follow him throughout his entire career too, and many others. Tragic man
pic.twitter.com/NJAeVXQmPe

— 𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙢🇧🇪 (@OfficialVizeh) May 21, 2023

This is not easy to watch. Or hear. But it is essential. Vinicius Junior. Welling up with tears after being subjected to a fresh wave of racist abuse. This has been a regular occurrence for six months in La Liga. pic.twitter.com/Ro80mHhvCA

— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) May 21, 2023

This is what happened when Vinicius got a red card. He gets held with force around his neck for exactly 10 seconds, and when he finally breaks loose his hand unfortunatly hits Hugo Duro’s face…

VAR: Shows only 2 frames of Vini’s arm connecting with Duro’s face

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/jb06KIBTgs

— Daniel Cobo-Lone🇧🇻 (@DCLDesign) May 21, 2023

🇧🇷 Vinicius Jr got fouled, racially abused, choked by the opponent and somehow ended up being the only one with a red card… 🤔

La Liga is taking a turn for the worse in recent times. Disgusting treatment that must be stopped. ❌ pic.twitter.com/tcjSWNSI4i

— PurelyFootball ℗ (@PurelyFootball) May 21, 2023