Referee Report Details Almeyda and Jordan Red Cards: "You are Cowards"

Spain - Ekhbary News Agency

Referee Report Details Almeyda and Jordan Red Cards: "You are Cowards"

The dramatic draw between Sevilla and Alavés at the Estadio Sánchez Pizjuán was overshadowed by late-game expulsions, including that of Sevilla's head coach, Matías Almeyda, and midfielder Joan Jordán. The official match report, penned by referee Iosu Galech, has since shed light on the volatile events that transpired, revealing a series of confrontations and alleged insults directed at the match officials.

The incident that triggered Almeyda's initial expulsion occurred in the 85th minute. According to the report, the coach was dismissed for "protesting one of my decisions in a blatant manner, making shouts and gestures of disapproval towards my person, having been warned a few minutes earlier by assistant referee No. 1 to correct his attitude and the general conduct of his bench." However, Almeyda's reaction post-expulsion escalated the situation significantly.

The report details that upon being shown the red card, Almeyda refused to leave the technical area. He was repeatedly warned by the assistant referee and the fourth official, but remained defiant, leading to a temporary halt in play. The situation intensified when Almeyda entered the field of play and confronted the referee face-to-face at close range, described as a "defiant and intimidating attitude." This standoff reportedly lasted for over a minute before Almeyda kicked a water bottle aggressively. His defiance continued as he re-entered the field and confronted the fourth official, necessitating his removal by his own team members and club security personnel. The match was suspended for a total of three minutes due to these events.

The disciplinary committee will now review these actions. For his initial protests, Almeyda faces a minimum two-match suspension, as per Article 127 concerning "Protests to the referee." However, his subsequent actions could lead to a much harsher penalty. His refusal to leave the pitch could add one to three more matches. More significantly, his confrontational and intimidating behavior towards the officials, including the alleged threats, falls under Article 100 regarding "Coercion and Threats." This article stipulates suspensions ranging from four to twelve matches if deemed a serious offense. The aggressive kicking of the water bottle could also result in an additional match ban for unsporting conduct. In the most severe interpretation of the events, Almeyda could face a ban of at least nine matches, potentially extending much further.

The expulsion of Joan Jordán is also detailed in the report. He was sent off for "leaving the technical area running towards assistant referee No. 1, protesting in a blatant manner with arms raised." Jordán is expected to receive a two-match suspension for this offense.

Adding to Sevilla's disciplinary woes, player Juanlu was sent off for two yellow cards. Furthermore, the report includes accusations from the referee during the halftime interval. A Sevilla FC staff member, identified as Erik Manuel Lamela Cordero, allegedly approached the referee and his assistant in the tunnel, protesting angrily. When asked to leave, Lamela Cordero reportedly issued a veiled threat: "You will have to come out here later." This individual, a member of Almeyda's coaching staff, faces a potential four-match ban for his threats.

The report concludes with another significant incident after the final whistle. Another Sevilla FC staff member, Agustín Salazar, allegedly approached the officials repeatedly, directing insults such as "You are cowards, you and you are cowards." Similar to Lamela Cordero, Salazar is also part of Almeyda's staff. He could face a four-match suspension if his comments are deemed a severe insult, or a minimum of two matches for showing contempt.

These revelations paint a picture of a highly charged and unprofessional encounter, leaving Sevilla facing potential significant sanctions that could impact their upcoming fixtures. The club and its staff face scrutiny over their conduct towards the match officials.

Ekhbary News Agency