Carlo Ancelotti said referees have been too quick to book Vinicius Junior after the Brazil forward picked up his 10th yellow card of the league season in Real Madrid‘s 4-2 win over Almeria on Saturday.
Karim Benzema scored a hat trick at the Santiago Bernabeu — Vinicius providing the assist for his opener — and Rodrygo Goes added a fourth as Madrid bounced back from their midweek defeat at Girona by the same scoreline.
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Vinicius received a yellow card in the 37th minute, as referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez took issue with his response to a clumsy challenge by Almeria defender Houboulang Mendes.
“It’s quite surprising that he’s had 10 yellow cards this season,” coach Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference. “The dirtiest midfielder in the league doesn’t have 10 cards! [Vinicius] has to improve, but he’s been given too many cards, and not enough were given for the kicks he’s received.”
