Real Madrid Face Possible Disqualification

Real Madrid could be sensationally disqualified from the Copa del Rey for fielding suspended winger Denis Cheryshev.

Real Coach Rafael Benitez started Denis Cheryshev, who is yet to serve a suspension after receiving three yellow cards in last season's competition and scored the opening goal against Cadiz. The Russian, who scored the opening goal of the game, received a suspension after being shown three yellow cards in last season's competition while playing for Villarreal. Cadiz president Manuel Vizcaino confirmed in a press conference after the match that the club will report Madrid to the Spanish Football Federation over the incident.

                                                                                                      

Before full-time Fran Canal, the club's legal adviser told Canal Plus “we will respect Real Madrid, but our fans and our members always want the best for Cadiz. If there is a chance of the rules being broken] we will report it. I have checked all the banned players that the Spanish FA reports at the beginning of the season and this player had a one-game ban. Considering this is the first Copa del Rey game this season for Real Madrid, he could not have played. I insist in not rushing on this - from Cadiz we want to respect Real Madrid”.

Home supporters could be heard chanting “Cheryshev is banned” and Benitez check Twitter where the news was being broken - after Cheryshev had put Madrid into a 1-0 lead. Cheryshev was then substituted by Benitez for Mateo Kovacic at half-time. In September, Osasuna were disqualified from the Copa del Rey when they fielded Unai Garcia, who had been sent off in last season's competition, played in their tie against Mirandes. Denis Cheryshev and Isco were on target to pick up a first-leg victory.

Compiled by: Adekunle Adewale (@hrhmayowa)