Real Madrid's Ramos faces potential semi-final ban
Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos could be banned for the Champions League semi-final first leg after the suspended Spaniard was spotted pitch-side during the latter stages of Wednesday’s tense victory over Juventus.
Ramos was suspended for the quarter-final decider at the Santiago Bernabeu for yellow-card accumulation. He broke UEFA rules by leaving the stands before approaching Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri on the touchline amid a frenzied period in the match that saw Real awarded a penalty and Gianluigi Buffon sent off.
UEFA regulations concerning misconduct by players and officials stipulate that players cannot take part in a match for which they are deemed ineligible, according to Sky Sports.
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Ramos’ standing for the semi-final first leg depends on referee Michael Oliver’s match report, and whether or not the English official mentions the incident. If Oliver did note Ramos’ actions, the Spaniard could be suspended.
Oliver’s report is due Thursday.
As Sky Sports notes, there is precedent for a one-match ban for similar circumstances. During the 2014 Champions League final, suspended Xabi Alonso hurdled a barrier to celebrate Gareth Bale’s match-winner. Alonso was subsequently banned for the first European fixture of the following campaign.