European giants Real Madrid on Matchday 5 secured top spot in Group G and qualification to the knockout stages of the Uefa Champions League with one game to spare after drubbing Ajax 4-0 at the Amsterdam Arena. The main topic of discussion after the game however was about the dismissals of both Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos late in the game by Scottish referee Craig Thomson.The first sending off occurred in the 87th minute (Real Madrid leading 4-0) when Xabi Alonso kept running back and forth before taking a free kick which resulted in the referee issuing a second yellow card to the player after he was booked earlier in the game. The second sending off occurred after 90 minutes in added time when Sergio Ramos delayed the goal kick by first adjusting his socks, then began running back and forth just as Alonso did. The referee had no choice and was required by law to send off both players for time wasting.
It was obvious that Real Madrid were not being seriously pressed by the opposition players as the outcome of the game was virtually decided and thus these delays at the dying moments of the game did seem puzzling, which now leads to questions being raised as to whether or not these dismissals were planned by the coaching staff.
According to competition rules, a player is suspended for the next competition match after three cautions in three different matches. Both players were on two yellow cards prior to being sent off and would be on a yellow card watch for the upcoming games had they ended the match on the field. However, the case now is that they will both miss a pointless game against Auxerre and will now be free from concern about any immediate suspension for the round of 16 games.
In his post-match interview Mourinho claimed that he was unhappy with the sending offs and that his team were in control of the game therefore deeming the dismissals unnecessary. Then again, what do you expect him to say ?
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