El Yamiq's dream return to Zaragoza ends in nightmare red card
Moroccan defender makes Segunda División history with bizarre hat-trick: scoring a goal, netting an own goal and getting sent off against Eibar.
Jawad El Yamiq packed a season’s worth of drama into 90 minutes on his return to Real Zaragoza, writing himself into Spanish football folklore with perhaps the most peculiar ‘hat-trick’ La Liga has ever witnessed.
From hero to villain
The Moroccan defender, who rejoined Los Maños on deadline day of the winter transfer window, became the unlikely protagonist in Zaragoza’s clash with Eibar at the Ibercaja Estadio yesterday.
His rollercoaster performance included:
- A thundering header from a corner to put Zaragoza ahead
- An unfortunate own goal while attempting to clear a cross
- A controversial straight red card in stoppage time
It’s a sequence of events with no known precedent in Spanish football history - scoring for your team, scoring against your team, and getting your marching orders all in one match.
Controversial dismissal
The red card incident has sparked particular outrage among the Zaragoza faithful. El Yamiq was dismissed for allegedly striking Aleix Garrido in the shoulder, but replays suggest minimal contact with the Eibar player making an absolute meal of it.
The VAR officials didn’t intervene despite clear evidence that a yellow card would have been the appropriate punishment at most. Proper dog’s dinner from the officials, that.
Appeal launched
Zaragoza have wasted no time in appealing the decision, with the club confirming they’ve submitted video evidence in hopes of overturning the suspension. The timing couldn’t be worse, as El Yamiq is now set to miss next Saturday’s crucial match against Cultural Leonesa unless the appeal succeeds.
In a statement, the club emphasized the importance of having their winter signing available for what they’re treating as a cup final. Manager Víctor Sellés will be keeping his fingers crossed that common sense prevails and his defensive rock is cleared to play.