Marcao Faces Multi-Match Ban After Bernabeu Meltdown
Sevilla defender Marcao could be slapped with a 4-5 match suspension after confronting and insulting the referee following his red card at the Bernabeu.
Marcao Faces Multi-Match Ban After Bernabeu Meltdown
Sevilla’s Brazilian defender Marcao is staring down the barrel of a lengthy suspension after losing his rag with referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid.
Red Mist at the Bernabeu
The festive season brought little cheer for Sevilla as they closed out 2025 with a defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu. But it’s the aftermath that could prove most costly, with Marcao potentially facing a 4-5 match ban following his dismissal and subsequent behavior.
The Brazilian center-back saw red in the 68th minute for what the referee deemed a “reckless tackle on an opponent while challenging for the ball” - his second bookable offense. However, it was what happened next that’s landed him in hot water with the authorities.
According to the referee’s post-match report, Marcao confronted Muñiz Ruiz “at close distance to my face in an intimidating manner” before teammates had to pull him away. Once separated, the defender allegedly hurled a Portuguese insult at the official before heading down the tunnel and booting a ball near the fourth official’s area.
Controversy All Round
The match itself was riddled with contentious decisions that left Sevilla’s blood boiling:
- Marcao’s initial yellow card challenge on Rodrygo was described as borderline red
- The same Rodrygo escaped punishment for what Sevilla felt was a studs-up challenge on Marcao
- Muñiz Ruiz initially awarded a late penalty to Real Madrid for a foul on Bellingham before VAR intervention reversed the decision
It wasn’t just Marcao who lost his cool - Sevilla manager Matías Almeyda also received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow for “persistent observations in the tunnel area after being previously warned.”
Post-match, Almeyda didn’t hold back, criticizing the referee’s “arrogance” and calling for better communication between officials and teams.
History Repeating
This isn’t the first time Muñiz Ruiz has been at the center of controversy involving Sevilla. Earlier this season, he showed a straight red to Peque in a match against Barcelona before downgrading it to yellow after VAR review. In the same game, he initially missed what was later deemed a penalty when Araujo brought down Isaac Romero.
For Sevilla, the potential absence of Marcao for up to five matches would be a proper kick in the Khyber as they navigate the challenging post-Christmas fixture list.