Almeyda hit with seven-match ban as Sevilla boss sees red
Sevilla's Argentine manager Matías Almeyda faces lengthy touchline absence after his explosive reaction to referee decisions in Alavés match triggers severe punishment.
Sevilla’s relegation battle just got a whole lot harder as manager Matías Almeyda has been slapped with a seven-match ban following his explosive reaction during their clash with Alavés.
Ban breakdown
The Competition Committee didn’t hold back on Wednesday, dishing out punishment that will keep the Argentine gaffer away from the touchline during a crucial stretch in Sevilla’s fight for survival. The punishment breaks down as:
- Two matches for protesting to the referee
- One match for failing to go to the dressing room after being sent off
- Three matches for “repeated attitudes of contempt or disregard towards referees”
- One match for “conduct contrary to good order”
Sevilla submitted their objections to the decision but were clearly bracing themselves for a proper hammering after referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía’s match report landed. The club plans to appeal through every available channel to reduce their manager’s time in the stands.
Crucial timing
The timing couldn’t be worse for Los Nervionenses, with Almeyda now missing from the dugout for a vital run of fixtures starting with their trip to Getafe. It’s the second time this season the hot-headed boss has seen red, having previously been sent to the stands during Sevilla’s visit to the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid in late 2025.
The incident
The match against Alavés was a proper dog’s dinner from Sevilla’s perspective. Beyond Almeyda’s dismissal, they had Juanlu sent off after just 16 minutes for a second yellow, and were left fuming over a potential penalty on Agoumé that neither the referee nor VAR deemed worthy of a call.
These incidents pushed Sevilla president José María del Nido Carrasco to formally complain to refereeing authorities, demanding “unification of criteria” in officiating decisions.
Almeyda’s defence
Post-match, a frustrated Almeyda claimed he was unfairly treated: “I didn’t speak, I didn’t insult. I lost my head because I asked the referee why he expelled me and he never told me why.”
With Sevilla fighting for their top-flight lives, losing their manager from the touchline for seven crucial matches could be the difference between survival and taking a trip down to the second division. Bit of a mare, that.