Lewandowski vs Vinicius – Refereeing double standards in La Liga laid bare?

Real Madrid’s recent match against Alaves sparked fresh concerns over refereeing decisions, particularly surrounding players like Endrick and Vinicius Jr. 

For a club that frequently speaks out against alleged officiating mistakes, their actions during this game showed a clear double standard, reports Mundo Deportivo. 

The incident with Vinicius was especially concerning, highlighting how inconsistency benefits some players while others are penalised unfairly.

What did Vinicius Jr do?

During the match against Alaves, Vinicius made a mockery of the fourth official when six minutes of added time were announced. At that moment, Real Madrid had just lost their 3-2 lead, and the players were clearly anxious for the final whistle. 

Instead of accepting the decision, Vinicius laughed openly, shouting, “He’s crazy, he’s crazy!”, as he walked off the pitch. His antics did not end there. 

Vinicius Jr. escaped a punishment from the referee. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As he was being substituted in the 89th minute, he continued making disrespectful comments, while Real Madrid’s delegate, Chendo, held him back to prevent further disciplinary action. 

And then there’s Lewandowski

The incident brings to light a worrying trend when compared to the treatment Barcelona players receive. In November 2022, Barça striker Robert Lewandowski found himself in a similar situation but faced much harsher consequences. 

After being sent off with a second yellow card, Lewandowski made a simple gesture by touching his nose, which the referee interpreted as disrespect. 

The Competition Committee reacted swiftly, handing him a three-match ban—one for the second yellow and two more for his supposed ‘disregard’ towards the referee.

The disparity

Robert Lewandowski was given a suspension. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

This disparity becomes even more apparent when you consider how Vinicius’ clear mockery of the fourth official went unnoticed in the referee’s report. 

Meanwhile, Lewandowski’s minor gesture caused him to miss critical matches against Atlético Madrid, Getafe, and Girona, significantly affecting Barça’s performance during that period. 

Although he temporarily returned for the derby against Espanyol after an appeal, Lewandowski’s punishment was far harsher than what Vinicius Jr faced.

The situation once again highlights the inconsistent standards when it comes to refereeing decisions in La Liga. 

While Barcelona players like Lewandowski are severely punished for minor actions, Real Madrid players often seem to escape unscathed, raising questions about fairness across the league.