Real Madrid`s star striker, Kylian Mbappe, was shown a straight red card in the 38th minute of the La Liga match against Alaves, coached by Carlo Ancelotti. Shortly after Alaves took the lead with a goal from Eduardo Camavinga, Mbappe`s aggressive challenge on Antonio Blanco prompted VAR intervention. The referee, upon review, decided to send Mbappe off the field with a straight red card.
Beyond the Frenchman`s underwhelming performance, Real Madrid supporters are concerned about the potential consequences of the red card. It could lead to Mbappe missing the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona on April 26.
Assistant coach Davide Ancelotti acknowledged the incident, stating, `Kylian is not a violent player. He apologized and recognizes his mistake. It was clearly a red-card tackle, and he is facing the repercussions.` Ancelotti also suggested that excessive fouling against Mbappe may have contributed to his reaction, though he emphasized that this did not justify Mbappe`s actions.
The severity of the suspension hinges on the referee`s official report. If the tackle is deemed a `serious offense,` Mbappe could face a multi-game ban. A suspension of four games or more would exclude him from the Copa del Rey final. Spanish FA regulations stipulate that bans exceeding four games are applicable to cup competitions, including the upcoming final in Seville against Barcelona on April 26.
According to statistics, Mbappe`s red card marks only the second time a Real Madrid striker has been sent off in the first half of a La Liga game in the 21st century, following Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2008. Despite a remarkable first season at Real Madrid, with 32 goals in 47 matches, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo`s debut season record, this red card incident stands as a low point and could significantly impact the upcoming final.
