Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos could face two-match ban after being charged by UEFA for deliberately getting booked against Ajax
- UEFA has charged Sergio Ramos for getting booked on purpose against Ajax
- Ramos received yellow card for cynical foul in last-16 Champions League tie
- That booking ruled him out of second leg, clearing him to play in quarter-finals
- Real Madrid beat Ajax 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos for allegedly picking up a yellow card on purpose.
European football’s governing body has charged the Spanish international under Article 15, which could lead to at least a two-match suspension.
Ramos was booked for a reckless foul on Ajax forward Kasper Dolberg in the 89th minute of the first leg of Real Madrid’s last-16 Champions League tie.
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos
Ramos (left) appeared to get himself booked for a challenge on Ajax forward Kasper Dolberg
The Madrid captain got nowhere near the ball and was subsequently shown a yellow card
Real Madrid had put themselves in a commanding position in their last-16 tie after Marco Asensio scored with three minutes of normal time remaining, establishing a comfortable 2-1 lead.
Two away goals meant the reverse fixture on March 5 would likely be a straightforward affair for the European champions, and Ramos appeared to consult the substitutes’ bench about attempting to get booked.
He was caught by Golazo de Gol making a subtle card gesture during his interaction – and he appeared to ask: ‘Should I look for it?’
The yellow card was Ramos’ third in this season’s Champions League, meaning he would have served a one-game suspension in the second leg and be free to play in the quarter-final, which would likely be a tougher test.
It appeared Ramos consulted with the bench about deliberately trying to get a yellow card
Moments after that interaction, Ramos prevented a counter-attack by the Dutch side with a reckless foul on Dolberg.
Ramos originally seemed furious with the Danish striker but his anger completely dissipated the moment the card was brandished.
After the match, Ramos appeared to concede that he did try to get himself booked on purpose – drawing the wrath of UEFA.
‘Not to underestimate the opponent, but sometimes you have to take these decisions and that’s what I decided,’ he said in a post-match interview with El Chiringuito TV.
He could face at least a two-match ban for the incident when UEFA meet on February 28
But he later attempted to clarify his stance, posting on Twitter: ‘In a game there are many tensions, many feelings and emotions and we have to make decisions in seconds,’ he wrote.
‘The best thing about today is the result and the worst is not being in the line-up with my teammates for the second leg.
‘I want to make it clear that it hurts me more than anyone and I haven’t forced a booking, just as I did not against Roma in my previous game in the Champions League.
‘I will support my teammates from the stands as a fan with the dream of being in the quarter-final.’
The case will be dealt with by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on February 28.
