Rabat – The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has handed Real Betis midfielder Facundo Bernal a four-match suspension following his assault on Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal during their La Liga encounter on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Uruguayan received a straight red card in the 54th minute of the match after an altercation with Yamal, shortly after Real Betis equalized at 2-2.
This sanction came after the claim that Bernal grabbed Yamal by the neck before striking him twice with his head. The committee ruled that the incident constituted an assault committed away from the ball.
Under Spanish football’s disciplinary regulations, such incidents can result in suspensions ranging from four to 12 matches. The committee imposed the minimum penalty, ruling that Bernal would miss four games.
Yamal also received a yellow card for pushing Bernal shortly before the incident that led to the midfielder’s dismissal.
Barcelona took advantage of their numerical superiority to score three more goals and secure a 5-2 victory. Yamal contributed to the Catalan side’s third goal by assisting Gabriel Jesus, helping his team extend its advantage.
The result strengthened Barcelona’s position in the league, while the incident overshadowed an otherwise eventful encounter between the two sides.
Bernal to miss Seville derby
Bernal will miss Real Betis’ upcoming matches against Celta Vigo, Malaga, and Elche, as well as the highly anticipated Seville derby against Sevilla on November 22.
His absence represents a setback for Betis as the club continues its campaign in Spain’s top division.
Real Betis currently sit fourth in the La Liga standings with 19 points.
The disciplinary committee also suspended Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo for two matches and imposed a financial fine over conduct it deemed contrary to sporting discipline.
The sanctions follow a match that saw Barcelona capitalize on their numerical advantage to secure a convincing victory, while the confrontation between Bernal and Yamal resulted in disciplinary consequences for both clubs.
