Vinícius apologises to Real Madrid and complains of persecution

Did the Brazilian star deserve the red card?

Vinícius Júnior apologised to his Real Madrid team-mates and the club's supporters after his sending-off in Saturday's clash with Villarreal, which Los Blancos edged 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

According to Spanish newspaper "Marca", Vinícius took to social media to react to his dismissal. The Brazilian forward posted a short message on his Instagram account after the final whistle, having seen red in the 72nd minute.

"The happiness continues. I apologise to my team and its supporters," the winger wrote, blending celebration of the win with regret at leaving his team-mates a man down during the decisive stage of the match.

His sending-off arrived in one of the most controversial moments of the evening. Having come on as a second-half substitute, Vinícius put the ball in the net and briefly looked to have doubled Real's lead, only for the referee to chalk it off. The official ruled he had fouled a Villarreal defender in the build-up, pulling Saliba's hair during the challenge that preceded the shot.

In the same instant, the referee flashed the red card and sent Vinícius off down the tunnel.

The Brazilian trudged off clearly furious at the decision, gesturing in protest as he went.

Down to ten men, Real Madrid were left to protect their one-goal lead, Yan Diomande having struck the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute.