Real Madrid kicked out of Copa Del Rey
Real Madrid have been suspended from the Copa Del Rey for fielding an illegible player
It has been more than a disapointing season for Rafa Benitez since he took over at Real Madrid. After getting utterly pummeled by bitter rivals Barcelona and slipping behind in the race for La Liga, Real now have to contend with not taking part in the Copa Del Rey, which may well be their best shot at a trophy this year.
In the round of 32 clash with Cadiz on Wednesday, Real Madrid fielded Denis Cheryshev. Cheryshev went on to score the opener in a 3-1 victory, but was later announced as suspended for the tie. The error, as reported by Guillem Balague, has resulted in the Spanish Giants being kicked out the competition.
Real Madrid has been kicked out of the Cup for fielding Cherishev
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) December 4, 2015
Madrid's appeal would likely be heard by RFEF appeals committee next Wednesday, then to Spain's Administrative Court for Sport on Friday.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) December 4, 2015
Dermot Corrigan has since announced that Madrid will appeal the decision, so whether Los Blancos will be able to return to the Spanish cup competition is yet to be determined. Speaking to BBC Sport, Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez has argued that Madrid were unaware of the suspension of Cheryshev. Perez stated:
"“We received nothing, no note, nothing from the RFEF. We’ll take this to the appeals, then the arbitration court. We checked the situations of all of the players listed in the squad rigorously before yesterday’s game. Chendo [Real Madrid’s matchday delegate] and coach Rafa Benítez want the best for Madrid but they do not think they have made any error in this instance.”"
Benitez is already under immense pressure, and such a schoolboy error will only add to the animosity felt by the fans towards their coach. It is looking less and less likely that Benitez will see out the season, and being suspended from the Copa Del Rey is just another problem to overcome.