UEFA will launch an inquiry into Real’s double red card.
The only blemish in Real Madrids 4-0 victory in the group G Champions League match against Ajax came late in the game when two Madrid players were sent off. Midfielder Xabi Alonso and defender Sergio Ramos were shown their second yellow for time wasting
late in Tuesday night’s match. It is suspected that both players deliberately received the second yellow card to go into the round of 16 with a clean sheet. UEFA’s disciplinary committee is set to probe the controversial incident.
It is believed that Madird manager Jose Mourinho instructed both players to receive red cards in order to protect them from a potential suspension in the knockout round of the Champions League. As it stands now, both players will miss the last group stage
match against Auxerre which holds no importance to both teams. Madrid has already cruised through to the next round and Auxerre were sent packing after a 2-0 defeat from AC Milan.
Dutch based channel NOS have released footages of Mourinho talking to Xabi Alonso before he received a second yellow card for time wasting over a free kick. His Spaniard teammate Ramos was also sent off for time wasting while taking a goal kick. Spanish
based daily Marca also posed such allegations by publishing picture of substitute goal keeper Jerzy Dudek conveying a message from the tug out to captain Iker Casillas.
When asked about the incident, Mourinho said, “I spoke with many players throughout the game, not only with Ramos and Alonso. The two red cards were the result of strange referee bookings in an easy game to monitor.” Mourinho insisted despite the absence
of both players, Madrid will be looking to win the game against Auxerre as he wants Madrid to win all their matches under any circumstances.
Ramos also defended his case insisting referee Craig Thomson could have prevented both the yellow cards. He asserted as the result of the game was beyond doubt any sort of delay in the game would not have affected the game. In an interview given to Marca
the defender said, “The result was secure, and as we were a player down after losing Xabi I was trying to waste a little time to get us through to the finish.” He denied the accusations that the cards were deliberate.
Both players will miss the game against Auxerre but if UEFA finds them guilty of receiving the cards intentionally, there could be further action taken against them. According to UEFA’s regulations dealing with loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship, a player
can be penalized for any intentional errors during the game.
Mourinho has expressed little concern over the incident and was jubilant his team has reached the round of 16. After the match, the Portugesse said, "The red cards we picked up don't matter hugely as we have already qualified ahead of the next game against
Auxerre.” Madrid is yet to lose a match in any completion under their new manager. The Spanish giants are currently leading the La liga table and topped their group in the Champions league.
Madrid has been knocked out of the round of 16 in their past 6 attempts to win the prized competition. The nine time UEFA champions won the Champions League nine years ago. Madrid president Florentino Perez invested millions of pounds last season in bringing
players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso to Madrid. Madrid however failed to go past the round of 16 after they were knocked out by French side Lyon.
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