Real Madrid Manager Jose Mourinho Punished With Touchline Ban Over Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos Red Card Scandal
Real Madrid had displayed skill and determination of the highest quality for over 80 minutes. Xabi Alonso ambled to take a free kick deep in his own half. He placed the ball carefully as if lining up a thirty to forty yard strike,
one he is famous for. Then he slowly went back to take the kick but after stumbling twice the referee decided he had had enough. Alonso was given his second yellow card for the match eliminating him from the match and giving him a one-match ban. Moments later,
ten-man Real had a goal kick. Iker Casillas called on Sergio Ramos to take the kick. Ramos at first did not know what to do. Iker Casillas had to explain it to him. Ramos was about to launch the ball in the opponent’s half when for some bizarre reason he felt
the need to fix his socks. The referee had had enough again and the same ritual as Alonso’s was repeated.
These were two of the most amazing red cards for many reasons. The players on the receiving end had no complaints and in Sergio Ramos’ case shook the referee’s hand as if to say thank you. The manager of the team had no complaints;
Mourinho just stood there and had no sign of anger at the referee’s decision. The red cards were given for time wasting; this is amazing because Real were leading by 4-0 with only three minutes to play of normal time. Real only needed a win to secure the top
spot and there was very little chance of Ajax managing four goals in the remaining three minutes plus stoppage time.
Commentators, pundits and managers around Europe were angry. They felt it was a negative tactic used by Mourinho to ensure his players reached the next round with clean slates. As any yellow card before the semis would have resulted
in a one match suspension there was a theory that Mourinho had ordered his players to get intentional yellow cards. UEFA, the football governing body of Europe, announced that it would look into the matter.
The enquiry found Real Madrid guilty. Subsequently it has been decided that Jose Mourinho will be banned from the touchline for a game and if in next three years he does something against the spirit of the game an additional 1
game ban will be served. Mourinho has also received financial punishment along with Ramos, Alonso, Casillas and reserve keeper Dudek. The fine for Mourinho is believed to be in the region of 33,000 Euros whereas fines for Alonso and Ramos are around 16,000
Euros. Casillas and Dudek have been subjected to lower fines.
Though the fine may not be that substantial, this is nevertheless quite the insult to the recent 5-0 drubbing-by-Barcelona injury for Jose Mourinho.
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