Rafa Yuste Critiques Mbappe’s One-Match Suspension
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Synopsis
Barcelona's vice president of sport, Rafa Yuste, has criticized the one-match ban given to Kylian Mbappe by La Liga's Disciplinary Committee for a dangerous tackle. Yuste emphasized the need for stricter penalties to maintain the integrity of football.
Key Takeaways
- Rafa Yuste criticizes La Liga's decision to suspend Kylian Mbappe.
- Mbappe faced a ban for a dangerous tackle on Antonio Blanco.
- The suspension could have impacted the Copa del Rey final.
- Yuste emphasizes the need for stricter penalties in football.
- Barcelona advances to UEFA Champions League semifinals.
Barcelona, April 16 (NationPress) Rafa Yuste, FC Barcelona’s vice president of sport, has strongly condemned the La Liga Disciplinary Committee's decision to impose a one-match suspension on Kylian Mbappe following his dangerous tackle during the match against Alaves. Mbappe received a red card for a challenge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco. The referee’s report indicated that Mbappe was dismissed for violent conduct, which typically warrants a suspension ranging from one to three matches.
A three-match suspension would have prevented Mbappe from participating in the Copa del Rey final against their fierce rivals in El Clasico on April 26.
"I find this completely ridiculous. The tackle was alarming and had the potential to seriously injure the opponent, and the punishment is utterly disproportionate. If it had been one of our players, which is unlikely since they are known for being clean and fair, the reaction would have been different.
“If he loses control like what occurred with the Real Madrid player, it only strengthens our conviction that we must improve our approach to prevent such incidents. This sets a poor precedent for football. A one-match ban is unacceptable,” Yuste stated during an interview with Spanish radio Rac-1.
Meanwhile, Madrid will quickly move past the Alaves match as they prepare to face Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, needing to overcome a three-goal deficit.
In contrast, Barcelona has advanced to the semifinals after defeating Borussia Dortmund 5-3 on aggregate. Yuste admitted he faced a challenging experience in the second leg, with Dortmund delivering a strong performance to win 3-1, but emphasized that enduring challenges is part of Barcelona’s essence.
"I experienced distress because there was so much at stake, and when the stakes are high, all you want is to progress to the semifinals. That was an intense match, and it raised my tension levels. Naturally, it is difficult because we were so close. Enduring challenges is ingrained in the identity of the Culés,” he concluded.
