Vinicius Junior red card: VAR audio reveals decision after alleged Saliba hair pull

Vinicius Junior was sent off after VAR officials advised referee Isidro Diaz de Mera to review an incident in which the Real Madrid forward was accused of pulling Saliba’s hair during their La Liga match against Villarreal.

The incident occurred in the 71st minute of the eighth-round fixture, with Diaz de Mera initially alerted by VAR referee Alejandro Muniz Ruiz. After reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor, the referee decided to award Villarreal a free-kick and show a red card to the number seven of the home team.

Audio of the VAR discussions, reported by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, has now revealed how the decision was reached.

Muniz Ruiz told Diaz de Mera: “Isidro, I recommend that you review the footage to assess whether there was violent conduct during the goal-scoring process.”

The referee replied: “Alex, let Puli speak, because your voice keeps cutting out.”

Pulido Santana, who was serving as the assistant VAR referee, then said: “Let us know when you reach the screen, Isi.”

When Diaz de Mera arrived at the monitor, he said: “I am at the screen now.”

The VAR team responded: “Okay, according to what we can see, Vinicius is pulling the Villarreal player’s hair. This incident falls within the same phase of the goal-scoring process.”

Diaz de Mera then asked to see a wider view, saying: “Excellent, show me a wide shot. I want to see where the attacking phase ends how the incident itself develops.”

A voice from inside the VAR room could also be heard saying: “This is an incident that warrants a red card.”

After watching the complete sequence, the referee confirmed his decision to the officials in the VAR room.

“Alex, Puli, for me I will restart play by awarding a foul and showing a red card to number seven of the home team, agreed?” he said.

The VAR team replied: “Agreed.”

Diaz de Mera then showed Vinicius Junior the red card.