Vini Jr calls for better referee protection for attacking players

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. has asked for better protection for attacking players. He mentioned himself, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, and Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez as players who deserve more support from referees.

The Brazilian is frustrated with what he sees as unfair treatment on the pitch. He believes defenders can foul him repeatedly while he ends up being the one booked by the referee.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared Vinícius Jr's words on X on Thursday. He quoted him saying, “I feel like defenders can always kick me, yet I am the one who gets booked.”

Vinícius also highlighted the need to protect players who can change the game. He pointed out that players like him, Yamal, and Álvarez should get more attention from referees.

“I think we need to protect players who can make a difference like me, Lamine Yamal and Julián Álvarez,” he said.

He also questioned the harshness of some punishments in football. He brought up a recent case where a player got a four-match ban for pulling an opponent’s hair.

“I do not remember any player being banned for four games for pulling the opponent’s hair,” he said.

Vinícius feels that he often faces more criticism from other clubs and the media. He thinks similar incidents involving him are viewed differently compared to others.

Looking back at his time at Real Madrid, Vinícius reminded his critics of how much he has improved since he joined at 18.

“Remember, I arrived at 18 years old and many people laughed at me. They said I can’t score, then I had more than 100 goals for Madrid,” he stated.

The forward is proud of his achievements at the club. He pointed out the many titles he has won during his time at Real Madrid.

He finished with a strong message for those who doubt him: “Vini always comes back, remember.”