Real Madrid are set to lodge a second appeal against the red card shown to goalkeeper Andriy Lunin during their El Clasico win over Barcelona.
Real Madrid will submit a second appeal over Andriy Lunin’s red card during their 2-1 El Clasico victory against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper, who serves as backup to Thibaut Courtois, was sent off late in the match “for leaving his bench to the rival bench, in an aggressive attitude, having to be held down by his own teammates.” According to Diario AS, the Spanish federation’s Disciplinary Committee initially rejected Madrid’s first appeal, confirming a one-match suspension.
However, the club intends to take the matter to the Appeals Committee, hoping to overturn the decision before their upcoming La Liga fixture against Valencia. If the appeal fails, Lunin will be unavailable for selection, leaving Alonso to rely on Courtois, with Fran González expected to serve as backup and Sergio Mestre as third-choice keeper.
A ruling is expected within the next 24 to 48 hours, determining whether the red card and suspension will stand. Should the appeal succeed, Lunin will be cleared to feature against Los Che as Real Madrid look to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga standings.
The decision marks the latest controversy surrounding Madrid’s eventful El Clasico triumph.