Jose Mourinho Criticizes RFEF Over Vinicius Junior's Sanctions, Stating That The Official Penalty Announcement Is Abnormal.

Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has launched fierce criticism against Spanish Football authorities. He condemned the 4-match playing ban handed to Vinicius Junior, which was announced approximately two hours before Real Madrid faced AS Roma in the 2026/2027 Champions League. 

Mourinho assessed that the timing of this announcement was abnormal, and demonstrated a lack of respect towards the player.

Vinicius was handed the suspension by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after receiving a Red Card during the La Liga fixture against Villarreal the previous Sunday. The Brazilian forward was sent off for pulling the hair of Villarreal player Nathan Saliba.

For Mourinho, this matter is not only about the severity of the punishment. He is challenging the RFEF's decision to announce the sanction while Real Madrid was preparing for a critical European Competition match.

Quoted via Real Madrid's official website, Mourinho used a Portuguese proverb to describe Vinicius' case.

"There is a saying in Portugal: 'A cat tries to hide, but its tail remains visible'. Right now, this cat is not even hiding anymore. They are acting openly, completely without shame," stated Mourinho.

Mourinho Highlights Timing Of Vinicius Sanction Announcement

Mourinho specifically called out the timing of the ban notification: Real Madrid only received word of the suspension while the squad was already on the team bus travelling to AS Roma's home ground, the Stadio Olimpico.

He argued this situation should never have occurred, especially since Vinicius was a Spanish league player about to compete in a major European Competition fixture.

"Do you think this is normal? A player for a Spanish club, about to play a high-stakes match representing Spanish football, finds out he has been issued a four-match ban just two hours before kickoff? We only learned all of this on the bus, right as we were nearing the stadium. As far as I am concerned, this is not acceptable," Mourinho explained.

For Mourinho, this last-minute announcement exposes fundamental issues with How the RFEF treats players. He stated that football authorities should communicate disciplinary decisions clearly, and do so without disrupting match preparations.

The Portuguese head coach confirmed he would not stay silent on this matter. He intends to ensure Real Madrid supporters understand the full context behind Vinicius' case.

"Madridistas are not foolish. I will do everything in my power to make everyone see the truth of what is happening here," said Mourinho.

Real Madrid Claim Dramatic 4-3 Win Over AS Roma

Amid the controversy over Vinicius' suspension, Real Madrid secured a dramatic 4-3 away victory at AS Roma. The match was tightly contested, with Los Blancos falling to a 1-3 deficit shortly after Vinicius left the pitch.

Vinicius did not play the full 90 minutes, and was substituted off in the 59th minute. Endrick entered the match in his place, with Real Madrid still fighting to overturn the home side's lead.

This substitution sparked Real Madrid's comeback. Endrick provided the assist for Carlos Espi's 82nd minute goal, before scoring a goal of his own just three minutes later.

As the match neared full time, Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive winner. His 90th minute strike sealed the final 4-3 scoreline for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid will now turn their focus to upcoming domestic fixtures, which they will be forced to play without Vinicius for the full duration of his ban.

Meanwhile, Mourinho's criticism has increased pressure on the RFEF to issue an explanation for the controversial sanction announcement process.