Real Madrid have been thrown out of the Copa Del Rey and fined for fielding an ineligible player, the Spanish Football Federation has confirmed, Sky Sports reports.
Russia winger Denis Cheryshev started in the fourth-round tie despite being suspended after picking up a third yellow card in the semi-finals of last season’s competition when on loan at Villarreal and scored Real’s first goal.
Cheryshev was withdrawn from the action moments after half-time when Real had realised their error, with head coach Rafael Benitez saying they wanted to “show good faith”.
Spain’s football federation said Friday Real Madrid had fielded an “improper lineup” and that the two-match series was settled “in favour of Cadiz”. They have been fined 6,000 euros (£4315). The club can appeal the decision.
Last season Osasuna were kicked out of the tournament for playing an ineligible player while Benitez was in charge of Valencia when they were disqualified from the Copa del Rey having played too many non-EU players in a tie in 2001.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said on Thursday night the club would fight any sanctions for fielding an ineligible player and Guillem Balague does not believe they will be successful.
The Sky Sports Spanish football expert told SSNHQ: “This is massive news in Spanish football. Perez insisted they would appeal because they’ve done nothing wrong. They will appeal to the competition committee but they will say ‘no, you’re wrong’.
“You never know with the committee, but the rules are clear. I don’t think there’s an escape here.” Agency report
