Manchester City, the dominant force in English football for over a decade, finds itself once again under the Premier League's microscope. This time, however, the allegations are not about intricate financial dealings or sponsorship controversies, but something seemingly more mundane: breaches of kick-off timing regulations. Recent reports confirm that City has been hit with a substantial fine of £1.08 million for delaying kick-offs and re-starts on nine separate occasions during the 2024/25 season. While a million-pound fine might seem like a drop in the ocean for a club of City's financial might, these sanctions underscore a deeper tension within the Premier League – a battle between sporting integrity, commercial interests, and the relentless demands of a global broadcasting behemoth. This isn't merely a trivial matter of punctuality. It speaks to the meticulous choreography of modern football, where every second is accounted for, and every deviation from the schedule has...
Carlo Ancelotti's team led 2-1 with six minutes of normal time remaining before falling to a late Barcelona comeback. Ferran Torres forced extra time, and Jules Kounde won the championship with a low, skidding shot in the 116th minute, but three Real Madrid players were still sent off.
A night of high tension, fueled by rumors that Real Madrid might boycott the game entirely following referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea's tears in the pre-match press conference, erupted in the 122nd minute.
The scrutinized official, who had already awarded Barcelona a penalty that was reversed by VAR, blew for a foul on Kylian Mbappe, causing the Real Madrid bench to erupt. Vazquez raced onto the pitch in disgust, while Rudiger escalated his protests.
The German centre-back seemed to tear off the ice packs tied to his knees and throw them at the referee. Rudiger was soon sent off, but had to be restrained by a swarm of technical staff and fellow replacements to prevent committing a more serious offense.
Bellingham received his marching orders when the last whistle was blown. According to the referee's official report, the England international "approached our position in an aggressive manner, having to be restrained by his teammates".
Bellingham was also caught disputing multiple refereeing decisions during the game. At halftime, the 21-year-old lamented, "Everything goes to them." Everything that is split 50/50 goes to them. AS also reported that Bellingham swore at the assistant referee, saying, "Why? Why? That's crazy! F*** off!" Madrid's No. 5 has already earned a two-game suspension this season for using profane language.
Bellingham was also caught disputing multiple refereeing decisions during the game. At halftime, the 21-year-old lamented, "Everything goes to them." Everything that is split 50/50 goes to them. AS also reported that Bellingham swore at the assistant referee, saying, "Why? Why? That's crazy! F*** off!" Madrid's No. 5 has already earned a two-game suspension this season for using profane language.
According to the Spanish press, Bellingham and Vazquez may face bans as a result of their activities. However, because each suspension is expected to be less than four games, it will only apply to next season's Copa del Rey, ensuring that they will both be eligible for the rest of the league season.
Rudiger, on the other hand, has a much more uncertain future. The center-back was assessed by the referee as "displaying an aggressive attitude". According to Mundo Deportivo, Article 101 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) Disciplinary Code states that this might result in a four to twelve-game suspension. In that case, the suspension would apply to all domestic tournaments, knocking Rudiger out of the crucial league Clasico against Barcelona on May 11.
Rudiger was overcome with remorse after spending the night reflecting about his deeds. "There's absolutely no explanation for my actions last night. "I'm deeply sorry for that," the 32-year-old posted on social media.
Rudiger was overcome with remorse after spending the night reflecting about his deeds. "There's absolutely no explanation for my actions last night. "I'm deeply sorry for that," the 32-year-old posted on social media.
"We played an excellent game from the second half on. After 111 minutes, I was unable to assist my side, and before the final whistle, I made a mistake. I apologize again to the referee and everyone I disappointed last night."
Comments
Post a Comment