Real Madrid won't punish Vinicius Jr after substitution incident against Barcelona: Report

The Brazilian star was furious at Xabi Alonso for removing him.

According to ESPN, Real Madrid will neither discipline nor suspend Vinícius Jr. for his outburst after being substituted during Sunday’s El Clásico.

With the match still in the final stages, the Brazil international seemed incensed at coach Xabi Alonso’s decision to substitute his countryman Rodrygo in his place in the 72nd minute of the team’s 2-1 LaLiga victory over FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Vinícius Jr. rushed off the field and down the tunnel before coming back to the bench to engage in altercations with Barça players, for which he was given a yellow card.

Madrid won’t take action against Vinicius

According to ESPN, the incident impacted Alonso and Vinícius Jr.’s friendship. The two were anticipated to speak in person when Madrid’s players resume training on Wednesday. The latter even apologised to his team in training.

According to sources, Coach Alonso is allowed to make technical choices as he sees fit, even though the club has decided not to discipline Vinícius for what transpired at the executive level.

When approached by ESPN, a club representative declined to comment, stating that disciplinary actions will be handled internally.

Vinícius, the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or runner-up and FIFA’s The Best winner, has been kept out of the starting XI three times by Alonso so far this campaign.

The star forward’s current deal is set to expire in 2027, but negotiations for a new one have not advanced in recent months.

Vinicius makes a public apology

Moreover, the forward has also acknowledged his behaviour when he was taken off against Barcelona. The Brazil forward took to social media and said:

“Today I want to apologize to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clásico. Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologize again to my teammates, the club, and the president.”

“Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.”

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