Kylian Mbappé's expulsion during the match between Deportivo Alavés and Real Madrid on Sunday, April 13, 2025, has sparked widespread discussion and concern regarding his potential suspension. The incident occurred in the 38th minute when the French forward made a reckless tackle on Antonio Blanco, leading to a straight red card issued by referee Soto Grado after a VAR review.
The referee's report described the tackle as "entering with the foot in the form of a plate at the height of an opponent's shin, in the dispute of the ball, using excessive force." This incident not only left Real Madrid with ten men for the remainder of the match but also put Mbappé's participation in the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26, 2025, at serious risk.
Eduardo Iturralde González, a former referee, weighed in on the situation during a segment on the sports program 'Carrusel Deportivo.' He suggested that the suspension would likely be limited to two matches, as the lack of injury to Blanco plays a crucial role in determining the severity of Mbappé's punishment. Iturralde emphasized, "Mbappé will escape a four-match ban because Antonio Blanco did not suffer an injury and was not substituted."
Mbappé's tackle has been described as a result of frustration, following multiple fouls against him earlier in the match. As he left the field, he reportedly apologized to his teammates and to Blanco in the locker room, acknowledging the severity of his actions.
Historically, this red card marks Mbappé's first in LaLiga and the fourth of his professional career. His previous expulsions came during earlier seasons, including a notable incident in 2018 while playing for PSG. The rules governing such expulsions are clear: a direct red card typically results in an automatic one-match suspension. However, if the disciplinary committee deems the foul to be serious, the suspension can extend to several matches.
The implications of a lengthy ban could be significant for Real Madrid, especially with the Copa del Rey final approaching. If the committee decides to classify the foul as violent conduct, Mbappé could face a suspension of four or more matches, which would exclude him from the crucial cup fixture. Article 130 of the regulations states that violent conduct can lead to suspensions ranging from one to three matches, while more serious offenses could result in four to twelve matches.
Iturralde also noted that the referee's description of the incident as occurring "in the dispute of the ball" is vital for Mbappé's case. This phrasing may allow the committee to categorize the foul as less severe, potentially limiting the punishment. He stated, "The key is the referee's description; it’s likely that the committee will see it as a case of excessive force rather than outright violence."
As the football community awaits the committee's decision, fans and analysts alike are speculating about the potential outcomes. The consensus among pundits is that while a one-match ban is almost certain, a two-match suspension seems more likely, which would see Mbappé miss the next two LaLiga fixtures against Athletic Club and Getafe but allow him to participate in the Copa del Rey final.
In the same match, Deportivo Alavés also faced a red card, as Manu Sánchez was sent off for a foul on Vinicius. This incident further complicated the match dynamics, leaving both teams to navigate the remainder of the game with reduced numbers.
Real Madrid, who managed to secure a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Eduardo Camavinga, will now not only focus on their upcoming league matches but also on the implications of Mbappé's potential absence in the cup final against their arch-rivals, Barcelona. The stakes are high, and the decision from the disciplinary committee will be pivotal for the team's strategy moving forward.
In conclusion, as the football world turns its attention to the disciplinary committee's ruling, the fate of Kylian Mbappé and his participation in the Copa del Rey final hangs in the balance. Fans and pundits alike are left to ponder the ramifications of this pivotal moment in the season.
