VAR official cut after Vinicius red card incident

Spain's refereeing committee sidelined official Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva Tuesday for his upcoming matches after his involvement in Vinicius Junior's red card against Valencia.

Spanish media reported that the 47-year old has been sacked although the Spanish football federation would not confirm that when questioned by AFP.

Iglesias Villanueva was in charge of Video Assistant Referee during Valencia's 1-0 LaLiga win over Real Madrid Sunday, in which Los Blancos forward Vinicius was racially abused by home supporters at Mestalla.

Later in the game the 22-year old was sent off for hitting Valencia's Hugo Duro, after referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea watched VAR footage of a brawl between the two teams.

However the video Iglesias Villanueva showed did not include Duro grabbing the Brazilian around the neck with his arm first, which would also have been a red card offence.

Vinicius was dismissed and is poised to miss between two or three matches, which means he may not play again for Real this season.

The Brazilian forward was at Real's training ground Tuesday but not working with the rest of the team, as he will not be able to face Rayo Vallecano Wednesday.

Iglesias Villanueva was set to be the main VAR official for Real Betis' match against Getafe Wednesday, and a VAR assistant for Athletic Bilbao's visit to face Osasuna Thursday.