Under the spotlight this week, the Spanish Football Federation has delivered its verdict on Kylian Mbappé. Facing the threat of a heavy sanction that could have ruled him out of the Copa del Rey final against Barça on 26 April due to a deserved red card against Alavés last Sunday, KM9 gets away with news that won’t be welcomed in Catalonia.
The controversy is growing in Spain following the decision announced on Tuesday by the Spanish Federation’s disciplinary committee regarding Kylian Mbappé. Sent off last Sunday during the match against Alavés for a dangerous challenge on Antonio Blanco’s shin, the 26-year-old forward has received the minimum punishment: a one-match suspension. While the decision brings joy to Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid, it’s a very different story for Barça, where – unsurprisingly – the ruling is already sparking outrage.
A key sanction at a crucial moment
Although Mbappé’s challenge – studs up on his opponent’s shin – could have earned him up to a three-match ban under Spanish disciplinary regulations, the committee chose leniency. This clemency is based on the report of referee Soto Grado, who deemed the act not an “assault” but an excessive attempt to win the ball.
Former referee Eduardo Iturralde, speaking to RMC Sport, said the decision was expected: “In general, the committee tends to reduce sanctions in these kinds of situations. The challenge, while dramatic, doesn’t fall into the category of aggression according to their rules.” Alavés player Manu Sánchez, who was also sent off that day for a strong tackle on Vinícius Júnior, received the same punishment.
Catalonia outraged
The decision has sparked an uproar in Catalan circles. The pro-Catalan daily Mundo Deportivo wasted no time in labelling the verdict a “scandal.” For FC Barcelona fans, the minimal suspension is seen as a manoeuvre to favour Real Madrid in the crucial fixtures ahead – most notably, the Copa del Rey final against their team.
“Never forget we’re up against a Real Madrid army. The media, the institutions, and those who make the decisions. Lewandowski gets a three-match ban for touching his nose. Mbappé, who nearly ended a player’s career with a criminal tackle, gets just one match,” criticised Catalan pundit Jota Jordi, a well-known figure on Spanish channel El Chiringuito TV.
Relief in Madrid
Meanwhile, Madrid breathes a sigh of relief. This key ruling comes at a decisive stage of the season, where every match is vital in the battle for the La Liga title and domestic cups. Suspended for the match against Athletic Bilbao on 20 April, Mbappé will be eligible to return on 23 April against Getafe – just in time to prepare for the highly anticipated final against Barça on the 26th.
It’s worth noting that the Madrid star, aware of the impact of his challenge, was quick to apologise to Antonio Blanco and his teammates. Known as a generally fair and non-violent player, Kylian Mbappé likely benefited from his mea culpa during the disciplinary process. For Carlo Ancelotti and his squad, the relief is obvious: they’ll be able to count on their French superstar for one of the most important fixtures of the season.
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