News
Controversy at Europa: unexpected ban for Aday Benítez after his sending off
Aday Benítez, coach of Europa, has been suspended following his sending off; he will return in February.
Europa coach Aday Benítez has received a two-match suspension after being sent off in the match against Atlètic Madrileny, corresponding to matchday 20. The decision, communicated by the disciplinary judge of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, has caused surprise and debate among the squad, coaching staff and the club’s supporters.
The sending-off occurred in the 81st minute of the match played at La Bòbila, Gavà, when Benítez protested a refereeing decision by leaving his technical area and entering the pitch. According to the report by referee Ekaitz Ikiñi García, the coach expressed his disagreement in an ostentatious and verbal manner.
The disciplinary judge, Ramon Terol, has imposed the two-match suspension and an additional fine, applying Article 52 of the Disciplinary Committee. This will prevent Benítez from managing Europa in the upcoming fixtures against Cartagena and Sevilla Atlético, both outside Barcelona.
Aday Benítez’s return to the bench is planned for the first weekend of February, in the match against Hércules at Can Dragó. The news has caused a stir around the club, which did not expect a sanction of such magnitude for the coach’s protests.