When a high-profile football star like Kylian Mbappé sees red in a crucial La Liga match, the football world naturally takes notice. But what happens after the red card matters just as much. Former Scotland international and ESPN pundit Craig Burley isn’t mincing words when it comes to how the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) handled Mbappe’s suspension.
After what many saw as a dangerous, studs-up challenge against Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco, the Real Madrid forward was handed just a one-match ban. Burley thinks that’s a joke — and he’s not alone.
So, why is this decision drawing so much heat? Let’s break it down.
1. What Happened in the Alaves vs Real Madrid Match?
Real Madrid’s clash with Deportivo Alaves wasn’t just another La Liga fixture. It was a tight game with Madrid edging out a 1-0 victory. But the match was overshadowed by a moment of controversy involving Kylian Mbappe.
In the 38th minute, Mbappe lunged into a late tackle on Antonio Blanco. Initially shown a yellow card, the decision was upgraded to a red card after VAR review.
2. The VAR Decision and Mbappe’s Red Card
At first glance, it might’ve seemed like a reckless but manageable foul. But slow-motion replays showed a high, studs-first tackle, hitting Blanco dangerously near the knee.
In modern football, these kinds of tackles often lead to multiple-match suspensions. But Mbappe? He got just one match.
3. Craig Burley’s Explosive Reaction
Craig Burley wasn’t having it.
“He should have had the book thrown at him,” Burley fumed on ESPN.
According to Burley, a three-match ban would’ve been standard. A six-match suspension wouldn’t have been outrageous either. He accused the Spanish authorities of downplaying the seriousness of the foul — calling it “a disgrace to the Spanish game.”
4. What the RFEF Could Have Done Differently
The RFEF had options.
They could’ve reviewed the nature of the tackle post-match and imposed a heavier suspension. This is common in leagues like the Premier League or Bundesliga. Yet, they chose the lightest penalty available.
To many, including Burley, it seems like they chose not to rock the boat.
5. Is the Spanish FA Favoring Real Madrid?
Let’s ask the uncomfortable question — would another player at a smaller club get the same leniency?
Some fans believe that big-name players and clubs get special treatment. And in Spain, Real Madrid often finds itself at the center of these debates.
The optics of this decision don’t help squash those beliefs.
6. A Closer Look at Mbappe’s Challenge
The footage doesn’t lie. Mbappe’s boot was high, late, and dangerous. Think of it like a speeding car running a red light — sure, maybe there wasn’t a crash this time, but it could’ve been fatal.
Antonio Blanco was lucky to escape serious injury.
7. Comparing Past Red Card Bans in La Liga
Historically, similar challenges have drawn harsher bans. Just last season, players from clubs like Valencia and Sevilla saw 3-5 match bans for reckless tackles.
Why was Mbappe’s case treated differently? The inconsistency is glaring.
8. Fan Reactions on Social Media
Social media lit up.
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“One match? Really? That’s a joke.”
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“Burley said what we were all thinking.”
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“The RFEF are protecting their poster boys again.”
Whether on X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, or Instagram, fans from all over Europe and beyond expressed their disbelief.
9. Why a One-Match Ban Feels Too Lenient
Think about it — Mbappe will miss one game against Athletic Club, but he’s back just in time for more crucial fixtures. That’s barely a slap on the wrist.
For a challenge that could’ve ended a career, it seems the punishment doesn’t fit the crime.
10. Mbappe’s Upcoming Fixtures
Here’s the kicker. Mbappe is now eligible to play:
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vs Getafe (La Liga) – April 23
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vs Barcelona (Copa del Rey Final) – April 26
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Champions League Semi-Final (if they qualify)
So Real Madrid basically loses him for one non-crucial match. That’s a huge win for them, but not for justice.
11. Real Madrid’s La Liga Title Race
With just seven games left, Madrid is four points behind Barcelona. Every match is do-or-die. Having Mbappe available for the Copa del Rey final and key league matches gives them a massive advantage.
This context makes the one-match ban all the more frustrating for rival fans and pundits.
12. What This Means for Spanish Football’s Integrity
When governing bodies make decisions that seem biased or inconsistent, it erodes trust. Fans start questioning fairness. Players lose confidence in officiating.
If Spain’s football authorities are seen as protecting stars, it damages the sport’s credibility — both domestically and globally.
13. Could This Set a Dangerous Precedent?
Burley warned of this:
“The more we looked at it, the worse it got.”
If a player can get away with that kind of challenge and only sit out one game, what’s stopping others? It sends the wrong message: as long as you’re a star, you’re safe.
14. Burley’s History of Speaking His Mind
This isn’t the first time Craig Burley has called out governing bodies. He’s known for being blunt, but also brutally honest.
He’s played at the highest levels, so when he says a tackle was dangerous, you pay attention. And when he says the authorities failed, he’s not doing it for shock value — he means it.
15. Conclusion & Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, football is a game of fairness — or at least, it should be. The decision to hand Kylian Mbappe just a one-match ban has left fans, players, and pundits scratching their heads.
Craig Burley said what many were thinking. The tackle was reckless. The ban was weak. And the Spanish Federation missed a chance to stand up for the integrity of the sport.
As Mbappe returns to action, the shadow of that red card still looms — and so do the questions about how football is governed at the highest levels.
FAQs
1. Why was Kylian Mbappe shown a red card?
He received a red card for a dangerous, studs-up tackle on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco during a La Liga match.
2. How many games is Mbappe banned for after the red card?
The Spanish Football Federation handed him a one-match suspension, which many consider too lenient.
3. What did Craig Burley say about the ban?
Burley called the decision a disgrace and said Mbappe deserved a much longer ban — possibly six games.
4. Will Mbappe play in the Copa del Rey final?
Yes, he will be available for the final against Barcelona on April 26, as his suspension only covers one La Liga match.
5. Could this incident affect La Liga’s reputation?
Definitely. Such decisions may lead fans and observers to question the fairness and integrity of the league’s disciplinary processes.
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