Facundo Bernal was suspended for four matches after hitting Lamine Yamal. Betis is contesting the sanction and will appeal

Facundo Bernal has been suspended for four matches after assaulting Lamine Yamal during the Betis–Barcelona match, which ended 2–5 in the ninth round of La Liga. Betis announced that it will appeal, considering the sanction disproportionate.

The incident took place in the 54th minute, just a few seconds after Ez Abde scored to make it 2–3. Following a confrontation that broke out after the hosts’ goal, Bernal pulled Yamal’s hair, grabbed him by the neck, and headbutted him twice in the face while the ball was not in play. Referee De Burgos Bengoetxea sent off the Betis footballer directly.

According to Article 103 of the La Liga Disciplinary Code, such acts of aggression can be sanctioned with suspensions ranging from four to 12 matches. Therefore, the punishment received by Bernal represents the minimum provided for by the regulations. Although Betis officials contested the sending-off and claimed that Yamal had provoked the conflict, the Archivo VAR analysis concluded that the referee’s decision was correct and that the Uruguayan’s actions warranted the red card.