Facundo Bernal faces a heavy ban: four matches vs Betis

Real Betis Balompié

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Facundo Bernal
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The RFEF Disciplinary Committee will have to determine the severity of the incident involving Bernal and Lamine Yamal during the match that ended with a 2-5 win for Barcelona. The initial ruling is expected on Wednesday and will be decisive in knowing how many fixtures the verdiblanco side will have to face without the player.

Betis' main concern is Article 103.1 of the Disciplinary Code, which provides suspensions of four to 12 matches for assaults that do not cause injuries. The referee's report describes an incident that could fit this scenario, especially because it happened when the ball was not in play.

The referee recorded what happened as follows:

«During the course of a confrontation, he grabbed an opponent by the neck and delivered two consecutive headbutts to the face while the ball was out of play. The opposing player did not require medical assistance and was able to continue competing in the match».

This description places the four-match suspension as the most likely outcome, although there is still no official decision and the disciplinary body could impose a harsher punishment.

The route that could reduce Bernal's ban

Betis disposes of another regulatory argument to try to reduce the suspension. Article 130.2 provides bans of two to three matches when violent conduct occurs outside the contest for the ball that does not reach the level of assault.

The phrase «during the course of a confrontation», included in the report, could be used to argue that the incident happened during a clash involving several players. Even so, the two headbutts described by the referee make it difficult for the Disciplinary Committee to accept that interpretation.

The controversy began after Abde's goal, when Fermín remained down on the pitch after a clash with the Moroccan forward. Álvaro Valles approached to remonstrate with him for not getting up, and Lamine Yamal stepped in to protect his teammate.

After several shoves, Bernal moved the player away from the Barcelona man, who responded by charging at the Uruguayan. In the footage, Lamine's attempted header is visible but does not land. Afterwards, the Betis midfielder grabbed the Barcelona player and delivered two lateral headbutts, actions that were ultimately reflected in the referee's report.

If the minimum four-match ban for assault is finally confirmed, Facundo Bernal would miss Betis fixtures against Celta, Navalcarnero, Málaga and Elche. The match against Navalcarnero would also fall within the suspension period because it is a ban ranging from four to 12 matches.