Sevilla Football Club has strongly criticised LaLiga for imposing what they describe as an "excessive" seven-match ban on their manager, Matias Almeyda. This significant suspension comes after a heated incident during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Alaves, dealing a major blow to the team's hopes of avoiding relegation this season.
Incident Leading to the Ban
The controversy unfolded late in the match when Almeyda was shown a red card by the referee. The Argentinian manager reacted with visible frustration to a decision that went against his side, jumping, turning to the crowd, and letting out an exasperated yell before leaning against the bench. These actions were deemed worthy of immediate dismissal by the match official.
Confrontation and Further Consequences
Almeyda did not accept the decision quietly. He proceeded to protest vehemently against the red card, confronting the referee directly and refusing to leave the pitch until members of his coaching staff intervened to drag him away. This additional misconduct landed him in further trouble with the Spanish football governing body, Rfef.
Details of the Suspension
The Rfef disciplinary committee has now handed down a seven-match ban, which represents the longest suspension for a manager in the Spanish top flight for twelve years. The federation broke down the punishment as follows:
- Three matches for contempt and disregard towards the referee
- Two matches for complaints made to the officiating crew
- One match for failing to leave the pitch immediately after being sent off
- One match for conduct disregarding public order
Sevilla's Response and Appeal Plans
Sevilla have responded swiftly and firmly to the sanction. In an official club statement, they branded the punishment as "excessive" and confirmed their intention to appeal the decision through all available legal channels.
"The club's legal department will exhaust all available avenues to appeal what it considers an excessive sanction, both in terms of the number of matches imposed and the way the facts have been described," the statement read. "We respect the sporting legal authorities and their decisions, but will make use of all available tools to defend our legitimate rights and those of our coach."
Impact on Relegation Battle
If the ban remains at seven matches, Almeyda will miss exactly half of Sevilla's remaining LaLiga fixtures. This comes at a critical juncture for the club, who find themselves just two points above the relegation zone in a tense six-way battle for survival.
Traditionally considered part of LaLiga's "big five" alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and fellow strugglers Valencia, Sevilla's current predicament marks a dramatic fall from grace for a club that won the Europa League just three years ago. Almeyda's absence from the touchline represents yet another setback in what has become a dire period for the Andalusian side.
