Brais Méndez hit with two-match ban as La Real face selection headache

Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Méndez has been slapped with a two-match suspension following his controversial dismissal last weekend, despite widespread agreement that the punishment was excessive.

Harsh decision leaves La Real fuming

The RFEF Disciplinary Committee has confirmed the suspension after Méndez was shown a straight red card for his challenge on Athletic’s Aitor Paredes. The decision has raised eyebrows across Spanish football, with virtually all match analysts and commentators suggesting a yellow card would have been the appropriate punishment.

Cuadra Fernández, the match referee, didn’t even witness the incident himself, instead relying on his assistant’s recommendation to brandish the red – a fact that has only added to Real Sociedad’s frustration. The club has already described the decision as “scandalous” and appears certain to appeal the suspension.

Crucial matches in jeopardy

The timing couldn’t be worse for both Méndez and La Real, as the midfielder is now set to miss:

• This Saturday’s home fixture against Elche at Anoeta
• The challenging away trip to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on the 14th

The news comes at what should be a joyous time for Méndez personally, having just become a father in the early hours of yesterday morning. Talk about a proper kick in the Khyber!

Other suspensions across La Liga

Méndez isn’t the only player facing time on the naughty step. The committee also handed out one-match bans to:

• Pathe Ciss and Chavarría (Rayo Vallecano)
• Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
• Lucas Torró (Osasuna)
• Alfonso Pedraza (Villarreal)

Meanwhile, Real Valladolid’s sporting director Víctor Orta received a much harsher six-match suspension for “protests and minor violence towards referees” following their match against Córdoba.