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Real Betis midfielder Facundo Bernal has received a four-match suspension for headbutting Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal during a recent La Liga match. The incident occurred during Betis' 5-2 home defeat, shortly after they had equalized at 2-2.
The Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee imposed the ban after Bernal was sent off. The referee's report detailed that Bernal grabbed Yamal by the neck and delivered two consecutive headbutts to his face while the ball was not in play. Yamal, fortunately, did not require medical attention and continued playing.
Bernal's actions fell under Article 103 of the RFEF's Disciplinary Code, which addresses assaulting another person without causing injury when play is stopped. The Uruguayan player received the minimum four-match suspension under this regulation. Real Betis, however, has announced its intention to appeal the decision.
If the ban is upheld, Bernal will miss crucial La Liga fixtures against Celta Vigo, Malaga, and Elche, as well as a Copa del Rey tie against fourth-tier Navalcarnero. The confrontation escalated after Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was on the ground, and Yamal intervened to defend his teammate, leading to a heated exchange with Bernal. Yamal also received a booking for his involvement.
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