Vinicius Junior says he is being unfairly targeted by referees and that defenders are allowed to foul him all match before he ends up being carded.
The Brazil forward spoke out after Real Madrid's dramatic 4-3 come-from-behind win at Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday, hours after receiving a four-game suspension in the Spanish league. The ban followed a red card for pulling the hair of an opponent and for protesting against the referee in a match against Villarreal on October 10.
"I don't recall any other player receiving a four-match suspension. I tried to move the player in front of me out of the way and I ended up getting caught in his hair," Vinicius said. "That was it, a red card, which is why I was so surprised. I didn't say a single offensive word to the referee that would warrant a four-match ban. But when it comes to Vini, it's all too easy."
The 26-year-old cited statistics to support his case: "I've seen the stats: I've been on the receiving end of 500 fouls, yet that has only resulted in five red cards. In the end, the yellow cards always seem to go to Vini, to the attacking players. We need to protect the players who bring something different to the game, like Lamine at Barcelona or Julian at Atleti."
Coach Jose Mourinho questioned the timing of the suspension announcement, which he said came just two hours before kickoff in Rome.
"Do you think it's normal for a player from a Spanish team, preparing for an important match that's also crucial for Spanish football, to find out about his four-match suspension just two hours before kickoff?" Mourinho said. "We were on the bus about to arrive at the stadium when we found out... they've started doing things without any shame."
Vinicius, who has not scored for Madrid since August and has only two goals for club and country this season, acknowledged he is in a slump but insisted his form will return.
"I'm working to get back to my best as soon as possible," he said. "I know I'm not at my peak right now, but I've been through worse and even when people have doubted me, I've always stood up for this club. That's why I signed a six-year contract extension. The good run of form will return and the goals will come back, too. I'm certain of that. I have no doubt."
Vinicius was replaced in the 59th minute of the Roma match before Madrid rallied from 3-1 down.