Vinícius Júnior has apologised to his Real Madrid team-mates and the club’s supporters after his sending-off in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu.

According to Spanish media reports, the Brazilian forward reacted on social media after the final whistle. He posted a short message on his Instagram account: “The happiness continues. I apologise to my team and its supporters.” The winger combined celebration of the victory with regret at leaving his team-mates a man down in the decisive stage of the match.

A controversial dismissal

The sending-off came amid one of the most contentious moments of the evening. Coming on as a second-half substitute, Vinícius struck the ball into the net and briefly appeared to have doubled Real’s lead. The referee, however, disallowed the goal. The official ruled that he had fouled a Villarreal defender in the build-up, pulling Saliba’s hair during the challenge that preceded the shot.

At the same moment, the referee showed Vinícius a red card in the 72nd minute, and he was sent down the tunnel. The Brazilian walked off visibly furious at the decision and gestured in protest as he went.

Real hold on

Down to ten men, Real Madrid had to protect their advantage. Yan Diomande had struck the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute, and the hosts held on for the victory.

Further frustration

Not long afterwards, Vinícius expressed his anger again. He shared a new post on his Instagram stories, voicing his frustration at the refereeing treatment he believes he receives repeatedly. “The player who always gets both the yellow and the red card is Vinícius, what a disgrace,” the comment read. It appeared alongside images from different matches in which he believes opponents escaped a booking despite fouling him or aiming blows at him.