# Vinicius Jr. Faces Criticism After Provocative Behavior Leads to Opponent’s Red Card
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is facing scrutiny following a La Liga match against Getafe on October 19, 2025, where his actions reportedly led to the expulsion of an opposing player and drew the ire of Getafe coach Jose Bordalas. The incident has sparked debate about the 24-year-old’s on-field conduct and it’s impact on both his team and his personal image.
Bordalas Accuses Vinicius of Provocation
Getafe coach Jose Bordalas publicly criticized Vinicius Junior after the match, alleging that the Brazilian intentionally provoked him and his players. The controversy unfolded after Vinicius entered the game as a substitute and appeared to mock a Getafe substitution, specifically the introduction of Allan Nyom in the 76th minute.
According to reports from Spanish newspaper Marca, Bordalas felt directly targeted by Vinicius’s behavior.”He doesn’t have to come and tell me that the substitution was good, and he doesn’t have to provoke me. That’s all,” Bordalas stated following the match. He further elaborated during a press conference, saying, “vinicius approached me and told me a great substitution. I told him that he should just focus on playing. There is not much to say.”
The situation escalated rapidly, as Nyom received a direct red card just one minute after entering the pitch.
Here is a link to a social media post detailing the incident.
Valdano Weighs In: Vinicius’s Reactions “Do Not Benefit” Real madrid
The criticism extended beyond the Getafe bench, with Argentine football legend Jorge Valdano, a former Real madrid player and coach, also voicing concerns about Vinicius’s conduct. Valdano, who played for Real Madrid from 1984 to 1987 and managed the team from 1994 to 1996, emphasized the need for Vinicius to control his reactions.
“We ask Vinicius every match to control himself, especially in the issue of dealing with competitors and his reactions,” Valdano said, as reported by Marca. He added, “His excessive reactions do not benefit him, the team, or even his image.”
This is not the first time Valdano has publicly addressed Vinicius’s behavior this season. Last September, he cautioned the forward following an incident where Vinicius reacted angrily to being substituted during a match against Espanyol. At that time, Valdano noted a shift in both Vinicius’s demeanor and the coaching approach, stating, “Vinicius is no longer the same and the coach (Alonso) is not the same (Carlo Ancelotti). Thes behaviors are not healthy at all.”
Valdano also highlighted the significant support Vinicius receives from Real Madrid,referencing the club’s backing during the Ballon d’Or ceremony last year,but stressed the importance of prioritizing the team’s interests. “Vinicius must focus on the high level he has reached, which made him finish second in the Ballon d’Or,” he concluded.
The incident raises questions about the balance between passion and discipline in
