News Focus
- Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Espanyol in their recent La Liga encounter
- Vinícius Júnior and Omar El Hilali were involved in a tense battle throughout the ninety minutes
- The Espanyol defender initially received a red card for a challenge on the Brazilian but VAR overturned the decision
- Television footage captured Vinícius telling El Hilali he will not receive his shirt and that Espanyol face relegation
- This follows recent controversy where Vinícius told teammate Jude Bellingham to ‘shut your mouth’ against Bayern Munich
Real Madrid’s attacking star Vinícius Júnior once again found himself at the centre of controversy during the club’s recent 2-0 win against Espanyol. The Brazilian forward engaged in a fierce battle with defender Omar El Hilali that continued throughout the entire match.
The Morocco international attempted to use physical contact to stop Vinícius. Early in the game, the referee showed El Hilali a red card for a tackle on the winger. However, the video assistant referee reviewed the incident and decided the challenge did not merit a sending-off. The referee then cancelled the red card.
Television cameras from Movistar+ captured the heated conversations between the two players. Vinícius made it clear he felt superior to his opponent. “Later you will ask me for my shirt outside and I am not going to give it to you. Stop being stupid, you are an idiot. You want to fight? If you want to play, let us play. You are going to Segunda,” he said.
During a set piece later in the game, Vinícius complained that El Hilali was pulling his shirt. The defender replied, asking what he should do instead. Vinícius responded angrily: “But why do you have to push? You are always pushing. I am calm, brother. No, he is just stupid. He wants to act stupid to get on TV.”
This is not the first time the Brazilian’s words have attracted attention this season. During the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich, he told England midfielder Jude Bellingham to “shut your mouth” after Bellingham complained about a pass. However, current discussions at the Santiago Bernabeu focus more on Kylian Mbappe’s leadership qualities.