Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has voiced frustration over what he perceives as inconsistent treatment from referees, arguing that players with exceptional skill — including Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez — deserve greater protection on the pitch.

The Brazilian international spoke out following Real Madrid's dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Roma in the Champions League, a match that came just hours after he learned he would serve a four-game suspension in La Liga. The ban stems from a red card he received for pulling an opponent's hair and reacting angrily toward the match official.

"I don't recall any other player receiving a four-match suspension," Vinícius said. "I tried to move the player in front of me out of the way, and I ended up getting caught in his hair. That was it – a red card – which is why I was so surprised. I didn't say a single offensive word to the referee that would warrant a four-match ban. But when it comes to Vini, it's all too easy. The opposing team will always say it's justified, and the press will say the same. I understand that. I'm here to keep evolving and improving, because I know where I've come from and what I'm capable of achieving."

The forward pointed to what he sees as a troubling pattern in how fouls against him are officiated. "It's understandable for the opposing fans to jeer me, because my job is to score goals against their team, but I don't get the referees. I've seen the stats: I've been on the receiving end of 500 fouls, yet that has only resulted in five red cards. In the end, the yellow cards always seem to go to Vini, to the attacking players. We need to protect the players who bring something different to the game, like Lamine at Barcelona or Julián at Atleti. Defenders are allowed to foul me the entire match but in the end it's me who gets the card."

The timing of the suspension announcement also drew criticism, with Mourinho objecting to the federation's decision to reveal the ban mere hours before Madrid's crucial European fixture. "Do you think it's normal for a player from a Spanish team, preparing for an important match that's also crucial for Spanish football, to find out about his four-match suspension just two hours before kickoff?" he said. "We were on the bus about to arrive at the stadium when we found out … they've started doing things without any shame."

Despite the controversy, Vinícius acknowledged he is currently navigating a difficult patch of form, having not found the net for Madrid since August. He was withdrawn in the 59th minute against Roma as his side trailed 3-1, before a remarkable turnaround saw substitute Endrick equalize in the 85th minute and Antonio Rüdiger complete the comeback with a 90th-minute winner.

"I'm working to get back to my best as soon as possible," the 26-year-old said. "I know I'm not at my peak right now, but I've been through worse, and even when people have doubted me, I've always stood up for this club. That's why I signed a six-year contract extension. The good run of form will return, and the goals will come back, too. I'm certain of that. I have no doubt. I'm here to help the team."

On being substituted, Vinícius struck a measured tone. "It's natural for me to get upset when I'm substituted because I always want to play every single match. I'm well aware of my current form and how I'm playing. I'm here to help the team, and sometimes you have to come off so that other players can get on and change the dynamic. Mourinho and I have a great relationship. He's always straight with me. Of course I got a little annoyed when I came off today, but that's normal. In the end he was right, the team improved, and that's what matters most."

Vinícius' suspension will rule him out of several high-profile fixtures, most notably the Clásico against Barcelona on 25 October.

Based on reporting from The Guardian.