According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior may be facing serious disciplinary consequences following his controversial reaction to being substituted during the latest El Clásico against Barcelona.
The forward’s emotional outburst after being taken off the pitch has caused widespread debate, and it could end up costing him a hefty fine — potentially as high as €50,000 — for what has been described as a “malicious statement” directed at head coach Xabi Alonso.
The incident took place in the 72nd minute of the match, when Alonso decided to replace Vinícius, a move that clearly did not sit well with the Brazilian.
As he left the field, cameras captured the visibly frustrated forward muttering words under his breath that appeared to be aimed toward his manager.
Several lip-reading experts have since analyzed the footage and claimed that Vinícius said, “vai tomar no cu,” a Portuguese insult roughly translating to “go to hell” or “screw you.” His frustration did not end there. Once he reached the bench, he reportedly continued venting his anger, saying, “It’s always me, I’m leaving the team. I’d better go.”
This behavior quickly became the focal point of discussion in both Spanish media and among fans online. Many observers have debated whether Vinícius’s reaction crossed the line from emotional expression to outright disrespect toward his coach. The controversy has now placed Real Madrid in a delicate position, as the club considers how to respond to what could be interpreted as a direct act of defiance.
Under the 2015 Collective Agreement that governs professional football in Spain, players can be sanctioned for making “insulting or malicious statements that exceed the right to freedom of expression or legitimate criticism, directed towards the club, its directors, coaches, or teammates.” If the club determines that Vinícius’s words fit this definition, disciplinary measures could follow swiftly.
The potential punishments are quite serious. In addition to a fine that could reach €53,000—which is calculated based on his gross monthly salary of approximately €1.25 million—Vinícius could also face a suspension from training and pay for anywhere between two to ten days.
While Vinícius is widely known for his fiery personality and emotional style of play, this particular incident could strain his relationship with both the club’s management and the coaching staff. His passion often fuels his performances, but in this case, it might have gone too far.
As Real Madrid continues to evaluate the situation internally, fans and pundits alike are watching closely to see how the club handles the matter.
Whether this becomes a minor disciplinary issue or develops into something more serious could depend on how Vinícius responds in the coming days — both publicly and behind closed doors.
