The episode took place in the Merengue defeat to Benfica 4-2 in the last round of the first phase of the Champions League
Brazilian striker Rodrygo, from Real Madrid, was punished with a two-game suspension for insulting the referee in the Whites’ 4-2 defeat to Benfica in the last round of the first phase of the Champions League, UEFA reported this Thursday (5). The suspension leaves the player out of the knockout stage for the round of 16 of the Champions League, against Benfica itself, with the first game on February 17th, in Lisbon, and the return game on the 25th, in the Spanish capital.
The referee showed Rodrygo two yellow cards in stoppage time for complaining about the ‘wax’ of the Portuguese players. UEFA’s disciplinary committee sanctioned him for insults and using offensive words against the refereeing team.
Rodrygo apologized the day after the match: “I got carried away by the moment when I complained about the waste of time. This is not how I usually act. I had never been sent off playing for Real Madrid and I am aware of the consequences. I apologize to the fans, the club, my teammates and the coach. Let’s remain united and continue fighting for this shield and this Champions League!”
*With AFP
