The Spanish Football Federation, SFF, has issued a seven-match ban on Sevilla manager, Matias Almeyda, for his outburst after he was sent off by referee in a La Liga game.
The SFF slammed the ban on Almeyda expressing dissatisfaction over his angry demonstration at the match official, Losu Apezteguia, during his side’s 1-1 draw at home with Alaves.
The body, in a statement on Wednesday, stated that the Argentine, walking to the pitch delaying the game for over a minute, is an attitude of contempt against the regulations of the game.
The SFF held that a two game ban was issued for his protest, one for not leaving the pitch after being sent off, three for his unsportsmanship behaviour and one further for unsporting conduct.
Sevilla, who are in 13th position in the league, two points above relegation zone, have promised to appeal the suspension, its legal team disclosing that it has begun work to exhaust all possible avenues to reduce the punishment.
The club stated that although it respect the legal position of the football authority, it has firmly decided to defend its rights, adding that it believes that the ban is excessive.
If their appeal gets rejected, Almeyda, 52, will now miss his side’s games against Getafe, Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona, Valencia, Real Oviedo and Atletico Madrid.
