Kylian Mbappe’s was sent off after a moment of madness in what is a big blow for Real Madrid’s title chances.
The forward was shown a straight red card for a horror challenge during the first half of their La Liga clash against Alaves.
Real Madrid went 1-0 up on 34 minutes thanks to Eduardo Camavinga’s strike. However, just four minutes later the visitors were reduced to ten men after Mbappe lost his cool.
The Frenchman’s reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco saw his studs connect with the midfielder’s shin.
Mbappe was initially shown a yellow card for the foul before a VAR review saw the decision upgraded to a straight red.
Piers Morgan shared his thoughts on X, writing: “Disgusting ‘tackle’ by Mbappe… Vicious intent and could have broken the guy’s leg.
“Red card should be the very least of his punishment.”
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley also hit out at Mbappe’s challenge, stating: “The fact that (Blanco) isn’t in the back of an ambulance going to the hospital with a snapped leg is sheer luck.
“That is an egotistical big head who thinks he can do what he wants.”
It is the first time Mbappe has been sent off for six years, dating back to April 2019.
He was shown a straight red card in Paris Saint-Germain’s French Cup final defeat to Rennes at the Stade de France.
Sunday’s dismissal means Mbappe will be banned for Real Madrid’s next La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao.
The two sides meet at the Santiago Bernabeu next Sunday before he is free to return to league action at Getafe three days later.
Mbappe could still see his suspension extended to up to three matches, though. Jude Bellingham was previously hit with a two-match ban after he was sent off for dissent in February.
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It would prove to be a dent in the club’s diminishing title hopes with just seven matches remaining.
Bitter rivals Barcelona currently sit four points clear at the top of the table, with El Clasico still to come on May 11.
However, the playing field was levelled in the second half with Alaves player Manuel Sanchez also being dismissed by the referee.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti will have Mbappe available for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.
The Spanish giants host Arsenal following last week’s 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.Last season’s winners must win by four goals to overturn the deficit and advance to the last four.
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