Getafe defender Alexis Ruano Delgado, commonly known as ‘Alexis’, has been suspended for four matches for punching Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic.
The incident occurred this past Sunday during Atletico’s 1-0 win over El Geta where Mandzukic gave his side the three points after a close-range strike in the 40th minute. In the 56th minute, Alexis’ frustrations boiled over when he lost possession near the touch line and dispatched a swipe to the face of Mandzukic.
Undoubtedly intentional, Alexis deserved to be sent off. But whether his actions deserved a four match ban is another issue for debate. By the looks of the video, the act could hardly be deemed a punch and Mandzukic appears to have made a meal of it. But from the still shot from behind (in the beginning of the video), Alexis seems to be making contact with a clenched fist. Perhaps Mandzukic was in some pain after all. Tough call.
For the ‘Competition Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation’, the incident was worth four matches. Do you agree?