While the opening La Liga clash for FC Barcelona did not go as smoothly as the Catalan giants may have hoped, the 0-0 draw against Getafe may end up being the least of their worries given other repercussions of the game.
Both Brazilian winger Raphinha and Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez were shown red cards by referee Soto Grado during the game, and their unavailability for the team could extend to multiple games each.
As highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the reports provided by the referee on both incidents in accordance to their relevant disciplinary articles could see both player and manager remain suspended for two games at the very least.
In regards to the incident concerning Raphinha’s elbow charge on Getafe defender Gaston Alvarez in the 42nd minute, the referee’s report read as follows:
“In the 42nd minute the player (11) Raphael Dias Belloli was expelled for the following reason: Hitting an opponent with the arm with excessive use of force, when the ball was in play but not in dispute between the two.”
Concerning this particular incident, there are three arguable articles that could apply. First and foremost is Article 120, which is applied in regards to direct expulsion and suspends the involved party for two games, stating:
“In those cases in which the expulsion from the field of play is due to situations in which the soccer player would not have had the possibility to play the ball, the suspension will be at least two games.”
Another article that could potentially be applied is Article 130, which takes into consideration the violent conduct of the player and could cost them up to three games:
“The ball is not in play, not being in the possibility of disputing the ball, this penalty could amount to 3 games.”
There also exists the concern of Article 103, which typically results in a ban ranging from four games to twelve, however, given the wording of the report MD suggests that this one is unlikely to come into effect.
The case of Xavi Hernandez saw the manager be expelled from the field and his technical area due to constantly complaining and advancing towards the assistant referee on the sidelines and as a result referee Soto Grado had the Barcelona manager expelled. His report for the incident was as follows:
“In the 70th minute, coach Xavier Hernández Creus was expelled for the following reason: Leave his technical area with his arms up towards the area of my 4rth referee, ostensibly protesting one of my decisions, having been previously warned by my 4rth referee. Once expelled, he stayed in the mouth of the locker room tunnel, the field delegate had to be warned for his eviction.”
This particular case lies in accordance with Article 127, which is quite straightforward in terms of both the consequence and the action that it takes into consideration. For direct expulsion due to protesting, a ban of two games will be applied towards Xavi Hernandez.
Up next for Barcelona is a home game against Cadiz, but the Catalan club must be cautious as they take on their next opponents given that they can count on neither Raphinha nor Xavi on the touchline for the clash at the Montjuic Stadium.
