Sevilla's Derby Prep in Tatters as Almeyda Faces Lengthy Ban
Sevilla's hard-fought draw against Alavés has left the club in crisis mode with their manager facing a potential six-match ban just before the crucial Seville derby.
Sevilla’s season continues its downward spiral after a chaotic weekend that’s left the club nursing a proper hangover ahead of the upcoming Seville derby.
Red Card Chaos
The Nervionenses scraped a draw against Alavés at the Sánchez-Pizjuán on Saturday despite playing with ten men from the 16th minute following Juanlu’s dismissal. While salvaging a point might seem commendable under the circumstances, it’s another case of dropping points against direct rivals in the table.
But the real drama came off the pitch, with manager Matías Almeyda now facing a potentially lengthy ban after being sent to the stands. This marks his second dismissal of the season, following his previous marching orders at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid.
Referee’s Damning Report
The referee’s match report makes for absolutely brutal reading. It describes Almeyda:
- Protesting decisions with “shouts and gestures of disapproval”
- Refusing to leave the technical area after being shown red
- Entering the pitch to confront the referee “face to face at close range in a defiant and intimidating attitude”
- Continuing this behavior for “more than a minute”
- Having to be physically removed by team members and security staff
The club’s legal team is bracing for a suspension ranging from four to six matches, which would be a right old kick in the teeth before the derby.
Club Response
Sevilla president José María del Nido Carrasco contacted the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) on Sunday morning to demand respect for the club and “unification of criteria.” The club will submit formal objections to referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía’s report.
Walking a Tightrope
As if Almeyda’s situation wasn’t enough of a headache, Sevilla also saw Joan Jordán shown a straight red while warming up on the touchline.
Adding to their derby preparation woes, five key players are one yellow card away from suspension: Azpilicueta, Carmona, Nianzou, Suazo and Agoumé. Several are regular starters under Almeyda, meaning any bookings in their upcoming fixture against Getafe could seriously disrupt their plans for the derby against bitter rivals Betis.
Talk about being on the ropes before the main event. Sevilla’s gaffer might be watching the derby from his sofa at this rate.