Goal: Facundo Bernal faces at least a four-match ban for headbutting Yamal

According to a report by Goal.com, referee Burgos's report states that Real Betis player Facundo Bernal faces a suspension of at least four matches after being sent off against Barcelona. He first clashed with Lamine Yamal, then headbutted the Catalan star in the face twice.

In addition to Lo Celso’s goal being disallowed in the first half, a controversial incident occurred early in the second half: after Betis player Bales brought down Fermín López with a rough challenge, Yamal stepped in to defend his teammate, sparking a confrontation between the two sides. Facundo Bernal then acted aggressively toward the Barcelona players during the altercation, and the referee showed him a red card.

Burgos wrote in the report: “In the 54th minute, player No. 6, Facundo Bernal, was sent off for the following reason: during a challenge, the player grabbed an opponent by the neck and headbutted him in the face twice while the ball was out of play. The opponent did not require medical attention and was able to continue the match.”

Could be suspended for up to 12 matches

According to this report, Facundo Bernal could face a suspension of at least four matches. Under Article 103 of the Disciplinary Regulations, if a person assaults another without causing injury during a stoppage in play or when the ball is away, and no intervention could take place at the time, the penalty ranges from a four- to 12-match suspension.

The Barcelona player was not injured, an important factor in determining the sanction, as the document states that an assault resulting in injury can carry a ban of six to 15 matches.

However, Facundo Bernal could also try to invoke Article 130, which covers violent conduct during a match, potentially resulting in a lighter sanction of a two- to three-match suspension. But given the unequivocal wording of the referee’s report, that seems unlikely: it confirms that the ball was out of play when the altercation occurred.

Betis head coach also embroiled in another incident

Besides Bernal being sent off, the referee's report also mentioned the conduct between Betis manager Pellegrini and fourth official Alejandro Clemente Ortuño.

The report stated: “Following a VAR intervention in the first half, Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini kicked a ball in the fourth official’s area, causing it to strike the fourth official’s leg and inflict a minor injury.”

If the head coach is officially registered and can be held accountable through disciplinary proceedings, he could face sanctions over the incident; otherwise, the club could face a fine.

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