Real Madrid Boss Ancelotti Slams Vinicius Suspension Decision

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended Vinicius Jr despite his two-match suspension for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has come out in defense of forward Vinicius Jr, who is set to play in the Spanish Super Cup despite his recent two-match suspension. The 24-year-old Brazilian was handed a two-game ban by the Spanish FA after being sent off for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in Friday's LaLiga match.

Although Real Madrid's appeal against the suspension was unsuccessful, Vinicius will still be available for selection in Thursday's Super Cup semi-final against Mallorca. Ancelotti continued to defend his player on Wednesday, showing his support for Vinicius despite the controversy surrounding his actions in the Valencia match.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had been optimistic about winning the appeal against Vinicius' suspension, believing the incident warranted only a yellow card. Ancelotti also highlighted the immense mental strain Vinicius is under due to previous instances of racist abuse directed at him in Spain.

Ancelotti reiterated his disagreement with the suspension decision during a press conference ahead of Thursday's game in Jeddah. “We are delighted with Vinicius in every aspect,” he stated. “Both he and I hear what happens on the pitch. I keep saying that it is difficult to be Vinicius. The sanction is not correct.” Ancelotti emphasized the challenges Vinicius faces, particularly in relation to the racist insults he receives.

Ancelotti also addressed the issue of provocation, suggesting that it detracts from the more serious problem of racist abuse. “When you talk about Vinicius' provocation, you deflect the shot from the insults he receives,” he pointed out. By highlighting this aspect, Ancelotti aimed to shift the focus towards the racist abuse Vinicius has endured and the need for greater support and protection for the player.

Real Madrid and Mallorca have already clashed this season, playing out a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the campaign. As they prepare to meet again in the Spanish Super Cup, manager Carlo Ancelotti is anticipating a highly competitive encounter. “We know the opponent very well and they know us,” Ancelotti noted. “It's going to be very competitive, they cost us a lot in LaLiga.”

Ancelotti has expressed admiration for Mallorca's qualities, acknowledging the challenges they pose. “They have good characteristics and can fight for the game,” he said. Despite the potential difficulties, Ancelotti remains confident that his team can secure a victory. “You think you will play a good game and win it,” he stated.

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— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 8, 2025

In the event of a draw, Ancelotti is relieved that the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout, rather than extra time. “If you don't win, there's the penalty shootout,” he pointed out. “It changes a lot. It avoids extra time, which can be more complicated to manage.” The winners of the Real Madrid-Mallorca tie will face either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao in the final on Sunday.