Vinicius: RB Leipzig Players Blast Referee for Allowing Real Star Escape Red Card After Neck Shoving

• Real Madrid's win against RB Leipzig was shrouded in controversy
• Vinicius Jr escaped a red card after an altercation with Willi Orban
• The players of Leipzig have since criticised the referee for his bias

Willi Orban and Benjamin Henrichs have voiced their dissatisfaction with the level of officiating following an incident that occurred during their round of 16 return leg match against Real Madrid.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Leipzig held onto a glimmer of hope for qualifying at the expense of their esteemed opponents when they clashed at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

However, their aspirations were shattered when Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock after the hour mark, putting Madrid 2-0 up on aggregate. Nevertheless, Leipzig's captain, Orban, brought his side level shortly after, setting the stage for a tense finale.

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Despite their best efforts, the Bundesliga outfit couldn't find the crucial second goal needed to force extra time, exiting the competition with their heads held high following an impressive performance.

Vinicius escapes red card after neck-shoving

While their display was laudable, they were less than pleased with both the officiating and Vinicius's behaviour.

The sprightly Brazilian winger could have faced a red card for an unnecessary altercation with Leipzig's captain, where he appeared to grab Orban's neck.

Although most players would have been sent off, the Real Madrid No. 7 avoided an early dismissal as referee Davide Massa issued only a yellow card, according to All Football.

The incident stood even after a VAR review, much to the frustration of the Leipzig players, who suffered a double blow as Vini Jr extended Madrid's lead soon after.

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Leipzig stars lament about Vinicius

Following the match, Leipzig's captain, Orban, and defender, Hendrichs, criticised the officials for what they perceived as biased decisions.

Henrichs said, as cited by Euro Foot: "If one of our [RB Leipzig] players went for the neck of a Real Madrid player, he'd be sent off 100%."

Willi Orban also told Sky Sports: "The referees don’t have the guts to put such players [Vinicius] down. He grabs my neck with both hands. That’s disrespectful."

Vinicius defends 'offensive' gesture

In a related report concerning Vinicius, Sports Brief previously covered the Real Madrid star's staunch defence of his on-field actions following his team's Spanish Cup triumph over Barcelona on Sunday, January 14.

A notable moment from the match occurred when the 23-year-old taunted the disgruntled Barcelona supporters by gesturing to the scoreline with his hands.

While this action received criticism from neutral observers on social media, the Real Madrid player remains unperturbed by the backlash.