European football’s governing body UEFA has banned Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso for one game for celebrating the Champions League success back in May.
While it surely has bigger fish to fry – such as effectively implementing the Financial Fair Play rules or introducing technology into the sport – they have instead decided to focus their attention on banning Alonso for improper conduct.
It means Alonso will play no part for Real Madrid when they take on Sevilla in the European Super Cup in Cardiff next month. The trophy is played between the winners of the Champions League and the Europa League.
The midfield veteran ran down the touchline to celebrate with his team mates after Gareth Bale has scored Los Blancos’ second goal and the crucial one that saw the club defeat city rivals Atletico de Madrid and land its 10th European Cup.
The World Cup winner with Spain four years ago, who also won the Champions League when he was at Liverpool, was suspended from playing the final in Lisbon having picked up a yellow-card in the semi-final against Bayern Munich which meant he had reached the limit.
Meanwhile, Atletico boss Diego Simeone has been given a one-match touchline ban after his involvement in an altercation with Raphael Varane shortly after Cristiano Ronaldo had scored the fourth goal.
