On Sunday night into Monday, Sergio Ramos, known for his rugged style, made headlines once again! During the match between Pumas and Monterrey (a 1-3 victory for the Rayados), the 38-year-old Spanish defender was sent off right at the end for kicking Guillermo Martinez, who had already lost possession of the ball.
Four matches, two goals (one header and one penalty), and a red card – that’s Sergio Ramos’ record at his new club, CF Monterrey, in Mexico. Despite being 38, the former Real Madrid captain refuses to change and continues to make a name for himself with his aggressive style of play. A true warrior, the ex-Spanish international, who has sparked a resurgence at his club since his arrival, put in another solid performance last night… well, almost. During the Rayados’ away match against Pumas UNAM on matchday 12 of Liga MX, Ramos picked up a well-deserved red card in the 92nd minute.
The unpunished violent elbow
In this closely contested match between two mid-table teams, tension was at its peak. As a true leader, Sergio Ramos quickly made his presence known with an early rough – or rather, violent – challenge in the 20th minute, delivering an elbow to a young opponent that could have already earned him a red card. However, Pumas coach Efraín Juárez was quick to point out that his star status likely spared him from an early dismissal.
“Foreign players are expected to set an example, to be good professionals. I believe the centre-back (Sergio Ramos) should have been sent off as early as the 20th minute, regardless of his name. He must set an example. If it had been a Mexican player, he would have been sent off immediately. Being a foreigner means setting an example, and tonight, that was not the case,” he stated in a press conference, clearly frustrated.
The red-card incident
As if that wasn’t enough, the Madrid legend, true to his principles, went all out at the very end of the match while his team was comfortably leading 1-3. In another phase of play, Sergio Ramos went after another opponent near the touchline with a completely unnecessary kick. Rightfully sent off, the main protagonist, who showed no remorse for his outburst, found the situation amusing.
“You didn’t really think I was going to leave this league without picking up a red card, did you?” Ramos posted ironically on his social media. A message that speaks volumes about the character! The Liga MX disciplinary committee will now decide whether to suspend Ramos for one or two matches. A new Mexican adventure off to a flying start – or rather, on the wrong foot!
Having joined Monterrey this winter after several months without a club, the former Real Madrid captain and 2010 World Cup winner initially seemed to be settling in well, even scoring his first goal in early March. However, this sending-off is a stark reminder that his reputation as a “wild” and uncontrollable player still follows him. Even in Mexico, he remains a feared defender, often criticised for his excesses on the pitch. This red card will go down in history, as it was his first with his new team – in just his fourth match.
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