Vinicius Junior has never been afraid to speak out and cause controversy.
After hours of debate, cutting statements and anger, the Brazilian waded into the VAR controversy that surrounded Real Madrid’s comeback against Almeria on Sunday. The Andalusian club were furious with VAR, which overturned three decisions in favor of a team for the first time in La Liga history. Real Madrid were awarded a goal, a penalty and a goal disallowed following these interventions. The recording of conversations between the referees shows that the on-field referee did not see all the relevant images.
A controversy that has only just begun
Vinicius Junior was one of the beneficiaries, since his goal, initially disallowed for a handball, was awarded. Experts agreed that the decision was not correct, or at least not clear enough to be overturned. Vinicius, however, laughed off the controversy, calling his goal magnificent on Twitter: “ Golazo!!! That’s how I did it on Copacabana beach.”
Almeria had reacted to the VAR audio on their own social media, asking why the referee did not see all angles of Vinicius’ contact with the ball. The Brazilian could find himself involved if Almeria decide to lodge a complaint with the Competitions Commission, after appearing to elbow defender Alejandro Pozo in the face, potentially earning him a playing ban.
