Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has criticised the way Vinicius Junior is treated by opposition players and supporters, describing it as “bullying”.
Mourinho’s complaint came after Real Madrid’s 2-1 La Liga victory over Espanyol on Saturday, a match in which the Brazilian forward played for the full 90 minutes but did not register a goal or assist.
Vinicius Junior was booked in the 32nd minute, while the decisive goal arrived in the final minute of normal time. The winner was scored by visiting forward Carlos Espi in the 90th minute.
Mourinho is unhappy with the attitude shown towards Vinicius Junior by opponents and rival fans. His description of the treatment as “bullying” identifies the central issue behind his criticism, with the Real Madrid manager objecting to the way the player is being approached during matches.
The forward completed the entire game against Espanyol, but his contribution was not reflected on the scoresheet. Instead, he was among the players cautioned during the contest, receiving a yellow card before half-time.
Real Madrid ultimately took all three points from the match after Carlos Espi struck late for the visitors. The result finished 2-1, with the winning goal arriving in the 90th minute.
Despite not scoring or providing an assist, Vinicius Junior remained on the pitch from the opening whistle until the end. His booking in the 32nd minute was the only disciplinary detail recorded for the Brazilian in the match.
Mourinho’s comments focus not on the result but on the treatment received by the Real Madrid player. The manager has specifically referred to the conduct of both opposing footballers and supporters, arguing that Vinicius Junior is being subjected to behaviour that amounts to bullying.
The complaint follows a match in which Real Madrid secured victory in dramatic circumstances. Espanyol were beaten 2-1, with the final decisive moment coming in the closing minute through Carlos Espi, identified as the visiting side’s forward.
For Vinicius Junior, the game ended without a direct attacking return. He played the full match, did not score, did not provide an assist and was shown a yellow card in the 32nd minute.
Mourinho’s assessment therefore centred on the wider circumstances surrounding the player rather than his statistics from the fixture. His words, “This is bullying”, summarised his displeasure with the reaction of opposition players and fans towards the Brazilian forward.
The match itself ended with Real Madrid winning 2-1 against Espanyol in La Liga, while Mourinho’s criticism placed the treatment of Vinicius Junior at the forefront of the aftermath.
