José Mourinho has questioned the decision to show Real Madrid captain Vinicius Junior a yellow card during the club’s game against Real Betis.
The former Real Madrid manager raised concerns about the treatment of team captains when they approach referees to seek explanations during matches.
Mourinho was particularly surprised by how quickly the referee produced the yellow card when Vinicius approached him.
“Why did the Real Madrid captain receive a yellow card?” Mourinho asked. “When Vinicius approached the referee and saw the card before he even reached him, I’d like to know why.”
The Portuguese coach argued that captains are generally expected to be allowed to approach match officials respectfully and ask for explanations about decisions.
“Why are we always told that the captain has the right to politely approach the referee to ask for an explanation?” he added.
Under the laws of the game, players can be cautioned for dissent, including words or actions that show a lack of respect towards a match official.
However, captains are given a greater role in communicating with referees, especially when seeking clarification on decisions.
Mourinho’s concern, therefore, appears to centre on whether Vinicius’ approach amounted to dissent or whether he was simply exercising the role normally expected of a captain.
