Mourinho challenges timing of Vinicius Jr’s four-match suspension

José Mourinho’s objection was not only to Vinicius Jr receiving a four-match suspension, but to when he learned about it: before a major match for Spanish football. Speaking after the Champions League victory over Roma, Mourinho said the decision could have been announced the following morning instead of reaching the player as the team travelled to the stadium.

“Do you think it is normal that a player from a Spanish team that has an important match for Spanish football knows he will be suspended for four matches?” Mourinho asked at his press conference. He described the timing as unfair, saying the team had to make the journey and arrive at the stadium before discovering the suspension.

Mourinho also invoked a Portuguese expression about a cat hiding while its tail remains visible. “This cat is now free,” he said, adding that people were acting without shame. He did not identify who he believed was responsible for the decision in the comments reported.

The four-match ban was one part of Mourinho’s response to the Vinicius story. He also addressed the forward’s reaction to being substituted. Mourinho said frustration was normal, while making clear he did not like gestures such as kicking a bottle. He added that Vinicius was happy after the match and had tried to control his emotions.

Mourinho connected that reaction to his own feelings, saying he had done the same in a stadium he loves, against people he loves. His comments therefore defended the emotion behind Vinicius’ response without endorsing every gesture. The distinction matters: Mourinho accepted frustration as understandable, but still drew a line at the bottle-kicking.

The suspension’s timing remains the central issue in his criticism. Mourinho’s point was that a four-match penalty had consequences for a player preparing for a major game, and that the announcement could have waited until the next morning. He did not say who should be held accountable.

Roma, meanwhile, are third in Serie A with 14 points from six games and are due to host Genoa on 17 October. Mourinho’s remarks came after the Champions League win over Roma, putting Vinicius’ ban and substitution reaction in focus alongside the team’s domestic campaign.