Young Vinicius, a Real Madrid forward, will not face punishment after his expulsion from the Mestalla clash against Valencia CF. The RFEF Competition Committee cleared the Brazilian after reviewing the claims and video evidence provided by Real Madrid. The committee stated that the arbitration award was based on a modified and partially factual basis and that there was no solid basis to impose a sanction.
After a lengthy seven hour session, the decision was announced. Real Madrid provided video material supporting their stance, and the committee concluded that the initial arbitration did not meet the required standard to substantiate a sanction.
Competition Committee
➡️ The decision means Mestalla will be partially closed for five games and Valencia CF faces a fine of 45,000 euros.
ℹ️ https://t.co/LF1XOZhGrWipicture
– RFEF (@rfef) 23 May 2023
VAR images challenge the call
From the Competition Committee perspective, the failure of Iglesias Villanueva to indicate the precise sequence of actions sanctioned by the field referee undermined the arbitration. It was viewed as a factor that influenced the outcome of the decision. A key aspect of the facts reportedly led to an independent judgement.
The reasoning further notes that it was impossible to fully assess what occurred because applying the standard procedure would have required a formal step that was not completed. The decision needed to be legitimate and in line with the law.
Valencia faces life ban implications for racist onlookers
Valencia supporters who directed racist taunts toward Vinicius, and the broader stadium atmosphere, are addressed in the minutes reviewed by the committee. The minutes indicate that Vinicius was sent off after an on-ball incident involving an arm strike while the ball was not in play, followed by a clash between players from both sides. There was no immediate medical treatment required for the opposing player.
The committee clarifies that its remit was limited to the specific sanction issued by the referee. It did not re-arbitrate or assign penalties for actions by players beyond what the referee recorded, even while recognizing the reprehensible nature of certain conduct.
Vinicius cleared to feature against Rayo
Real Madrid did not field Vinicius against Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu, but the coach could potentially recall the Brazilian for the upcoming fixtures. Vinicius did not train with the squad in the most recent session, instead taking a rest period as part of the routine schedule.
Calls to reform arbitration to curb racism in football
In a broader move, the Competition Committee announced the disciplinary measures against Valencia, including the partial closure of Mestalla for five matches, affecting the south stand known as the Mario Kempes. The minutes reflect that racist shouts were proven during the match, and the committee emphasized the seriousness of such violations. An economic penalty of 45,000 euros accompanies the sanctions, a stance intended to deter abuse in the stadiums.