Marcelo Banned for Three Matches
The Spanish Copa Del Rey encounter between Elche and Real Madrid witnessed some very bad refereeing calls as Real Madrid almost got kicked out from the competition for the sixth season running; this time, due to bad refereeing decisions. From not calling on fouls to Vinicius and several others, to awarding a yellow to Toni Kroos for a non-existent foul to the straw that almost broke the Camel's back; a straight red for Marcelo, who through replays never deserved it. Real Madrid struggled all night against a resilient Elche side but when the match got into a very frantic stage, the referee became overwhelmed and began issuing decisions against Real Madrid. In extra-time, Elche got a breakaway on a counter by Tete Morente. As the player was rushing towards the Real Madrid goalie, Marcelo was on his tail as the last man with Lucas Vasquez closing in. Close to the Penalty area, Marcelo expertly appeared to have kicked the ball away from Morente and the player tumbling to the ground. The referee rushed towards the scene immediately and reached for his breast pocket, removing a straight red and brandishing to a bewildered Marcelo. The Real Madrid players pleaded the decision and even called for VAR intervention but it appears the VAR referees closed up after the 90 minutes. Real Madrid however pleaded the decision but was turned down by the Competition Committee. Reports were released today that Marcelo has been handed a three match ban. One for a straight red and two for insult to the referee with Marcelo reported to have told the referee that he was very bad. This ban means Marcelo will miss the quarter final tie against Athletic Bilbao and the semifinal two legged ties should Real Madrid beat Bilbao.
