La Liga: Madrid’s Vinicius banned for four games, to miss El Clásico

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has been handed a four-match suspension by the Spanish football federation, ruling him out of the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona. According to BBC Sport Football and BBC Sport, the Brazil international was sent off during a 1-0 win against Villarreal last Saturday for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair. After the referee reviewed the incident on a pitchside monitor, the goal Vinicius believed he had scored was disallowed and he was sent off.

The disciplinary committee issued a two-game suspension for violent conduct while not in a position to challenge for the ball, plus an additional two-game suspension for protests or dissent toward officials, according to BBC Sport Football, BBC Sport, and Yahoo Sports. Vinicius Jr will miss matches against Sevilla on October 18, Barcelona on October 25, Racing Santander on November 1, and Valencia on November 7. Yahoo Sports noted he is expected to return for a game against Celta Vigo on November 22.

Following the match, Vinicius Jr posted a social media message apologizing to his team and fans. BBC Sport Football also reported that Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho did not attend the post-match news conference.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, BBC Sport Football, BBC Sport, Yahoo Sports — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.