Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr’s red card against Valencia annulled by RFEF ahead of Rayo Vallecano clash
A referee is supposed to be the purest institution in any sport, let alone football. After all, an individual can be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing and managing a hard-fought game only if he is completely unbiased.
It is not difficult to see why the recent incident in the game between Real Madrid and Valencia caused such an uproar.
Close to 24 hours after the game, the RFEF fired six referees, including the VAR head on the night, for sending ‘biased’ images of the fight between Vinicius Jr and Hugo Duro. Considering the evidence presented to him, the on-field referee decided to give Vini his marching orders while Duro walked with no repercussions.
As of Tuesday night, the Competition Committee declared Vinicius’ red card on the night null and void and annulled any suspension it brought with it. The unprecedented decision came after a long discussion and meeting between the authorities involved. As revealed by MARCA, the official report reads,
“There is an extraordinary, serious and totally unusual circumstance, which determines in our opinion that the decision adopted by the Collegiate reflected in the Act examined here incurs an arbitrary patent.”
“Since it is adopted on an altered and partial factual basis, it is determined that it incurs a manifest lack of validity to base a sanction on it.”
This comes as a relief to Real Madrid who were given the shocking news that Vinicius might have played his last game for the season after the clash against Valencia. A ban of at least three games was expected for the Brazilian, but he will now face no sanction.
The winger can return to the squad as early as tonight’s clash against Rayo Vallecano and can be fielded as a starting option. However, the club have made no official communication regarding his incorporation into the squad yet and the decision will presumably lie with the player himself.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €3.5 million-rated relegated Premier League striker to reinforce attack
Following a difficult season with troubles in La Liga and the Champions League preventing Real Madrid from retaining their crowns, Los Blancos move towards a transformative summer, full of innovations.
Real Madrid managed to clear plenty of unwanted figures at the club, with a huge relief on the wage bill. However, with an array of exits, the squad has contracted and thus replacements are being inquired.
Apart from the high-profile departure of Karim Benzema, fringe players have also bid their farewell.
Among those names is Mariano Diaz, who was Madrid’s backup striker prior to his withdrawal. Several names have been put on the table to fill his absence as the club largely aim to address their lack of depth.
According to Arancha Rodriguez (via RM4Arab), Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno is one of the names gaining consensus in the Madrid hierarchy. Moreover, Joselu has also been considered as a viable alternative.
The two favourites to replace Mariano have proven to be important figures for their clubs as both strikers maintain a starting role.
Playing for Espanyol, Joselu ended the La Liga campaign as the third top scorer, only behind Benzema and Lewandowski. Considering Espanyol’s relegation, such a feat looks even more impressive. The Spaniard secured 19 goals in all competitions.
On the other hand, Rodrigo Moreno recorded 16 goals last season across all competitions. Similar to Joselu’s case, the Spanish international also suffered relegation with Leeds, in spite of his good numbers.
With both players offering adequate output in struggling sides, Real Madrid’s interest is practical. Moreover, considering both Espanyol and Leeds were relegated, their asking price will undeniably lower, which enables the Merengues to sign one of the two targets at a more convenient rate.
It is claimed that Rodrigo has a release clause worth €3.5 million which Los Blancos would have to trigger to sign him from Leeds United.
It now remains to be seen whether Carlo Ancelotti & co. go after the former Valencia man or move for Joselu instead.
