Sevilla head coach Matias Almeyda faces a lengthy absence from the touchline after the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee handed him a severe seven-match ban on Wednesday. The 52-year-old Argentine tactician received his marching orders during last weekend’s tense La Liga draw against Alaves at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium. Rather than exiting the field quietly, Almeyda charged onto the pitch to confront the officiating crew, engaging in a heated and visible protest that lasted over sixty seconds and significantly delayed the match proceedings.
The federation meticulously categorized the suspension into four distinct violations to reach the cumulative seven-game penalty. The disciplinary panel assigned a two-match ban specifically for the initial protests that led to his ejection, followed by a one-match penalty for his refusal to leave the technical area promptly. The most significant portion of the ruling includes a three-match suspension for displaying an “attitude of contempt” toward the referees on the pitch, while a final game was added for general unsporting conduct during the altercation.
“A statement from the Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee said Almeyda was suspended for two games because of his protests, one game for not leaving after being sent off, three games for an “attitude of contempt” towards the officials and a further game for unsporting conduct.”
This disciplinary blow comes at a critical juncture for the Andalusian club as they navigate a precarious domestic campaign. Sevilla currently occupies 13th place in the La Liga standings, hovering a mere two points above the drop zone with only 14 fixtures remaining in the season. Almeyda’s volatile outburst means he will miss exactly half of the club’s remaining games, leaving the squad without its primary leader during a vital fight for top-flight survival.
Assistant coaches must now take the reins for a grueling stretch of matches that includes high-stakes encounters against top-tier opponents. The club expressed disappointment with the severity of the ruling, yet the committee’s decision stands as a firm reminder of the league’s zero-tolerance policy toward official intimidation. With relegation a looming threat, Sevilla must quickly find a way to maintain tactical discipline on the pitch while their manager watches from the stands for the next two months.
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