Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda has been handed a seven-match ban by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Competition Committee following his dramatic red card and subsequent on-field protest during his team’s LaLiga match against.
The Argentine coach was sent off in the 78th minute after confronting referee José Luis Munuera Montero over a controversial penalty decision that went against Sevilla. Almeyda then refused to leave the technical area immediately, sitting on the pitch in protest and arguing animatedly with the fourth official and match officials before eventually walking off.
In its disciplinary ruling published on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the RFEF Competition Committee cited the following offences: Violent conduct and disrespect toward match officials (red card offence), Publicly questioning the honour and impartiality of the refereeing team, Persistent protest and failure to obey instructions to leave the field of play and Actions that endangered the smooth running of the match
The seven-match suspension means Almeyda will miss: The remaining six LaLiga games of the 2025/26 season and Sevilla’s next Copa del Rey tie (if they advance)
Sevilla released a short statement expressing disappointment with the length of the ban but confirmed they will respect the decision while reserving the right to appeal.
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Almeyda’s Reaction (via club statement) “I accept the red card, but the length of the punishment does not reflect the reality of what happened. I was defending my players and my club against decisions that were clearly unfair. This ban is excessive and punitive. We will appeal.”
The incident has reignited debate in Spanish football about the treatment of coaches who protest refereeing decisions and the consistency of disciplinary sanctions.
Sevilla currently sit mid-table in LaLiga and will face Cádiz in their next league match on Saturday without their head coach on the touchline.
By Akai Akeobong
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