Diego Simeone Delivers Scathing Attack on Vinicius Jr
In the final moments of Atlético Madrid's 3–1 triumph against Levante on Saturday, despite Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior having zero involvement in the match, the Brazilian forward somehow became a topic of discussion for Diego Simeone.
Atlético's adaptable midfielder Marcos Llorente received a yellow card in the 87th minute following a heated verbal exchange with referee Jesús Gil Manzano. With the result already secured and the caution having no impact on Llorente's availability, Simeone nevertheless confronted the official.
"What's that call about, settle down," the fiery Argentine manager yelled from the sideline, according to broadcasters Movistar Plus+, appearing frustrated while dressed entirely in black. "A yellow for that? You wouldn't book Vinicius [for that]."
Real Madrid's number 7 has earned an unfortunate reputation for frequent exchanges with match officials. However, Simeone's assertion that Vinicius would have escaped punishment from Gil Manzano simply doesn't align with the statistical evidence.
Vinicius Junior's Disciplinary Record
Complete Yellow Card Tally Since August 2024
Booking Category | Count |
|---|---|
Dissent | 8 |
Foul | 5 |
Diving | 3 |
Taking off shirt | 1 |
Mass Confrontation | 1 |
Standing too close to a free kick | 1 |
Total | 19 |
Data sourced from Transfermarkt. Updated as of Nov. 9, 2025.
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Vinicius has accumulated 19 yellow cards in all competitions—with eight of those sanctions resulting from arguments with officials.
Though the expressive Brazilian's conduct on the field may deserve additional examination, and Xabi Alonso has already engaged in frank discussions with his player this season, it's certainly not Simeone's responsibility to address.
The Atlético legend has maintained a tense relationship with Real's superstar. The two notably required separation during last season's Madrid derby in the Copa del Rey round of 16, with neither party distinguishing themselves as they traded insults accompanied by inappropriate gestures.
Vinicius has faced disgraceful treatment from Atlético Madrid supporters over the years. A dummy resembling the 25-year-old was suspended from a bridge in Spain's capital before a Madrid derby in January 2023, while the Brazilian has repeatedly encountered racist abuse on multiple occasions.