Mourinho skips Real Madrid press conference after Vinicius red card for hair pull vs Villarreal

Real Madrid took all three points against Villarreal (1-0), but the victory was pushed into the background by two VAR decisions that changed the story at the Santiago Bernabéu: the disallowed Vinicius Jr. goal and his subsequent red card for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair. The controversy was such that José Mourinho, the team's manager, chose not to appear at the post-match press conference to protect himself from a possible suspension.

• José Mourinho did not face the media after Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Villarreal to avoid a ban.
• VAR disallowed Vinicius Jr.'s goal and the referee sent him off for pulling Nathan Saliba's hair.
• The Brazilian came on in the 52nd minute and was shown a red card twenty minutes later.
• Spanish regulations classify hair pulling as violent conduct and set a suspension of one to three games.
• Vinicius would most likely miss the Clásico against Barcelona on October 25.

Vinicius Jr.'s red card that overshadowed Real Madrid's win over Villarreal

Vinicius Jr. came off the bench in the 52nd minute and was involved in the most heated moment of the night twenty minutes later. The Brazilian forward scored a goal that sparked local celebrations, but the monitor review revealed a detail the referee did not miss: before finishing, Vinicius had pulled Nathan Saliba's hair. The referee ruled out the goal and showed the Real Madrid player a straight red card.

Mourinho's celebration froze in a matter of seconds. The Portuguese coach had run toward Vinicius to share the joy just before VAR turned the play around and turned the celebration into anger.

Why Mourinho skipped the press conference after Real Madrid vs Villarreal

The Portuguese manager's anger did not stay on the touchline. Mourinho, known for his character on and off the pitch, decided to skip his media duties after the final whistle at the Bernabéu. According to multiple reports, the reason was his intention to avoid a possible suspension that could come from comments about the officiating.

As a result, the coach did not take part in media activities and did not attend the usual post-match press conference. His silence was as loud as his frustration on the sideline during the second half.

How many games could Vinicius miss for the hair pull

The Spanish Football Federation rules are clear on this type of action. Hair pulling is classified as violent conduct, and Article 130 sets a suspension of between one and three matches. Pending the decision of the Competition Committee, the outlook is not promising for the Brazilian.

The fixture list does not help either. Real Madrid will face Sevilla, Barcelona and Racing Santander in the coming league rounds. If the ban is confirmed, Vinicius would miss the most anticipated match of the season: the Clásico on October 25 against Barcelona.

Mourinho's return to the Stadio Olimpico, his most emotional Champions League night

Mourinho will speak again on Tuesday, when Real Madrid travel to Rome ahead of the second matchday of the Champions League league phase. On Wednesday, the Spanish side will visit the Stadio Olimpico to face Roma, a match that brings the Portuguese back to the stage he left in January 2024 after being sacked by the Giallorossi.

His return to the Italian capital revives a legacy that remains intact. Mourinho managed Roma between 2021 and 2024 and delivered the club's first ever UEFA trophy by winning the inaugural Conference League in 2022. A year later he led the team to the Europa League final, where they lost on penalties to Sevilla. Now he returns with Real Madrid in a clash that promises to be one of the standout moments of the European season.

Vinicius apologizes after the red card against Villarreal

The sending-off was a cold shower for the dressing room and the fans. After the match, Vinicius Jr. apologized to supporters and teammates with a message posted on social media. The forward ended the night with a gesture of self-criticism while the club waits to learn the exact extent of the suspension.