Vini Jr. sent off for hair pulling as Madrid beat Villarreal

Vini Jr. began Real Madrid's match against Villarreal on the bench. ESPN FC described what followed as a dramatic substitute appearance: a goal ruled out and a red card.

Madrid, coached by José Mourinho according to Telegraaf, were playing at home. CNN Brasil reported that the October 10 match at the Santiago Bernabéu was in the eighth round of the Spanish league.

Yan Diomandé scored his first goal for Real Madrid, giving the hosts the lead in Saturday's match, according to L'Équipe. It ultimately proved enough to secure victory.

After coming on, Vini Jr. appeared to have added a second goal. But the review changed both his contribution and his place in the game.

Fanpage reported that VAR spotted Vini Jr. pulling an opponent's hair before the goal. The goal was annulled, and he was sent off for the incident.

Madrid still finished with a 1-0 win, CNN Brasil reported. The dismissal did not cost them the result.

After the match, Vini Jr. apologised to his teammates and Madrid supporters, according to Infobae.

The match is over: Diomandé's goal stands as the winner, while Vini Jr.'s effort was disallowed. Al Jazeera also reported the 1-0 result and his dismissal for hair pulling.

The reports give different reference points for Madrid's league position. Telegraaf says they moved back within one point of Atlético, while Guardian Sport says they remained six points behind leaders Barcelona. The supplied coverage does not include a full table to establish how those accounts fit together.