Antonio Rudiger Shields Referee After Vinicius Junior Is Sent Off for Hair Pull

Antonio Rudiger stepped between Vinicius Junior and the referee after his Real Madrid teammate was sent off for pulling an opponent’s hair.

Vinicius protested the decision during Saturday’s match against Villarreal, with Rudiger intervening to keep him away from the official.

The defender positioned himself between the two as Vinicius continued arguing, producing a striking moment in a game Madrid eventually won 1-0.

Vinicius goes from celebrating a goal to receiving a red card

Vinicius had started on the bench before coming on in the second half. With Madrid leading through Yan Diomande, he thought he had doubled their advantage after finishing a move involving Jude Bellingham.

But the goal was reviewed, and the build-up showed Vinicius pulling Villarreal player Nathan Saliba’s hair.

Referee Isidro Diaz de Mera checked the pitchside monitor, disallowed the goal and showed Vinicius a straight red card. His celebrations turned into protests, prompting Rudiger to step in.

Madrid were left defending a one-goal lead with ten men rather than enjoying a two-goal cushion. They held on, with Diomande’s strike remaining the only goal of the match.