Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has hit out at the way he is treated by referees in La Liga.
The Brazilian has cemented his status as one of the world’s elite players over the last couple of seasons, becoming a fan favourite at the Bernabeu after long being derided for frustrating inconsistencies.
However, such is Vinicius’ talent and ability to take on players that he is often the victim of harder challenges on a frequent basis which often go unpunished – a similar situation is developing in England with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Vinicius has been fouled 89 times already in La Liga this season – a staggering 23 more than the player ranked second in that list – but has picked up eight bookings, most of which come for dissent after bemoaning of mistimed opposition tackles.
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The 22-year-old has previously spoken of his anger at such treatment, and spoke his mind a bit more in a new interview with ESPN.
“Referees don’t give fouls and they don’t give yellow cards,” Vinicius began. “Players can foul me 15 times and, in the end, when the game is in the 88th minute, the referee gives a yellow card.
“Players have to think of a way to stop me, and, by doing that [committing fouls and not being punished], it becomes very easy for them. I don’t judge the players, but I judge the referees, because they have to apply the rules correctly.
“I’m not asking for anyone to protect me. Nobody has protected me in my life, except my teammates, my parents and the people that like me…what I have to do is to try to keep a clear head.
“Obviously, I make mistakes sometimes, I’m only 22 years old. I’ll make a lot of mistakes. But I want to make fewer mistakes and try to keep learning.”
