In a major blow for Real Madrid, UEFA has decided to hit forward Rodrygo with a two-match suspension following his red card against SL Benfica last month.The Brazilian forward was shown two yellow car...
In a major blow for Real Madrid, UEFA has decided to hit forward Rodrygo with a two-match suspension following his red card against SL Benfica last month.
The Brazilian forward was shown two yellow cards in stoppage time after angrily protesting against what he considered time-wasting tactics by the Portuguese side as Los Blancos suffered a shock 4-2 defeat in Lisbon.
The defeat against Jose Mourinho’s men in January prevented Real Madrid from qualifying automatically for the Champions League Round of 16, as they failed to finish among the top eight teams in the league phase of the competition.
As a result, they will now have to play the knockout playoffs, with the Merengues getting drawn against Benfica again. And, they will go into the match without the services of Rodrygo.
While a sending-off via two yellow cards usually results in a one-match ban, UEFA’s disciplinary committee has sanctioned Rodrygo for two matches for directing insults and offensive words towards the referee.
It means that the 25-year-old attacker will now miss Real Madrid’s both Champions League knockout playoff matches against Benfica.
Two-match ban for Rodrygo. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Following his sending off, Rodrygo, who is also a doubt for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Valencia, had issued an apology via a statement on social media.
“Yesterday I let myself get carried away by the moment when claiming the time losses,”Rodrygo wrote.
“It’s not my way of doing things. I’d never been sent off while playing for Real Madrid and I’m aware of the consequences,” he added.
“I apologise to the fans, to the club, to my teammates, and to the coach. We will continue united and fighting for this badge and for this Champions League.”
This comes as a significant blow for Los Blancos, who are already set to be without Jude Bellingham for the two-legged affair against Mourinho’s men, with the England international currently out injured.
Eder Militao, too, will be unavailable for the two knockout playoff fixtures, complicating matters for manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Category: General Sports
