Real Madrid Confidencial Carvajal May Pay Dearly for His Incident with Saka: UEFA's Possible Sanction
What Happened Between Carvajal and Saka Could Cost the Real Madrid Fullback
Real Madrid didn't achieve the comeback against Arsenal and were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals. The match had everything: refereeing controversies, a miracle from Courtois, and a lot of tension. This was shown after the end of the first half, with the teams heading through the tunnel to the locker rooms.
There, Dani Carvajal was seen at the entrance, dressed in casual clothes, sharing a brief conversation with Saka. The Real Madrid player grabbed him from behind by the head, and the Arsenal player reacted. Fortunately, it didn't escalate, and the Englishman was eventually taken off the field.
However, this incident could be very costly for Carvajal, especially considering he wasn't on the roster. The presence of the full-back on the field could be grounds for a sanction. But also if UEFA interprets what happened as an assault by the full-back on the winger.
Up to four matches of suspension could be imposed on Carvajal, which he would serve next season. It's true that with the signing of Alexander Arnold, it might not seem like such a dramatic loss. But it does represent a significant blow, and there are precedents that suggest he might miss some games.
Xabi Alonso Already Did It and Was Sanctioned for It
The fact that Dani Carvajal wasn't on the roster would be decisive for UEFA. According to Article 15 of the disciplinary regulations, the full-back would receive a one-match suspension. The reason is for “participating in a match when not eligible to play.”
Xabi Alonso already suffered this sanction when he was a Real Madrid player, in a Champions League final. It was during La Décima when he jumped from the stands to the sideline to celebrate with his teammates. UEFA showed no leniency and imposed a one-match suspension for it.
Additionally, they could also view what happened as an assault by Carvajal on Saka. If they see it this way, he could face a greater punishment that would be added to the previously mentioned match. “Suspension for three competition matches for assaulting another player or another person present at the match” states the regulation.
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