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Mbappé Gets One-Match Ban After VAR Red Card, Will Play Copa del Rey Final

10 posts • GPT (4.1)

Updated Apr 16, 2025, 12:54 PM

Kylian Mbappé, forward for Real Madrid, received a straight red card for a violent challenge on Antonio Blanco during the match against Alavés, which took place on Sunday. The incident occurred in the 38th minute, after the VAR changed the initial yellow card to a red, resulting in Real Madrid playing with ten men for the remainder of the game. Following the challenge, the Spanish Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee sanctioned Mbappé with a one-match suspension, the minimum penalty possible under Article 130 of the regulations. The referee's report stated that Mbappé's challenge was excessive but occurred while contesting the ball, which influenced the length of the suspension. Manu Sánchez of Alavés received an identical one-match ban for a separate incident in the same match. There was initial speculation that Mbappé could face a longer suspension, which would have ruled him out of the Copa del Rey final. The decision to impose only a one-match ban has been criticized by FC Barcelona and its vice president Rafa Yuste, who called the punishment 'absurd' and 'a bad example for football,' noting the tackle could have caused serious injury. Media outlets and commentators have also questioned the leniency of the sanction. As a result of the ruling, Mbappé will miss Real Madrid's upcoming league match against Athletic Bilbao but will be eligible to play in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26. Mbappé has apologized to Blanco, as well as to coach Carlo Ancelotti and president Florentino Pérez. Blanco did not suffer a serious injury.

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