Manuel Pellegrini faces potential ban after harsh Betis-Barça referee criticism

Manuel Pellegrini, Betis manager, is under scrutiny following his scathing comments about the officiating in Betis-Barça (2-5) at Estadio de la Cartuja. The Chilean specifically targeted referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoechea, focusing on the disallowed Lo Celso goal that he said was preceded by a handball by Cucho Hernández, and he also protested the match-ending sending off.

In his remarks, Pellegrini called the refereeing “lamentable” and argued that arbitration influenced decisive moments, saying it “had an impact on pivotal plays that decided absolutely the match.” He also pointed to the late red card, insisting “Lamine provokes it and the other responded” and that “both are called over and two cards are shown.”

Decision Monday

Monday is when the AESAF players’ union meets to decide whether to lodge a complaint with the RFEF Disciplinary Committee. If they proceed, Pellegrini could face a minimum four-game ban under article 106 on challenging arbiters through any media. The same framework includes a fine ranging from €601 to €3,005.06, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.