Girona to appeal for Michel and Blind to be available for Madrid match

Girona announced on Monday that they will appeal against the cards shown to Michel Sanchez and Daley Blind in the goalless draw against Real Sociedad, which will prevent them from taking part in Saturday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid, who lead La Liga with two more points.

Michel was sent off in the 88th minute for "leaving the technical area protesting repeatedly and with ostensible gestures" a decision by referee Jesus Gil Manzano, according to the referee's report. In the post-match press conference, the Spanish coach stressed that the red card was "a very big punishment" and unfair because he only claimed a foul on Savio Moreira.

"I say it with my arms in the air and it is punishable by a yellow card, but I have not insulted or disrespected anyone and I have not jumped on the pitch," the coach said. Meanwhile, Blind was shown his fifth yellow card of the season with the game already over for addressing the referee "repeatedly making technical remarks", according to Gil Manzano's report.

From the dressing room, they argue that he only asked the referee why he had added 2 minutes. Michel said that the yellow card shown to the Dutch player was "excessive". The club will present an appeal to the Competition Committee against the referee's report and, if this is not accepted and there are sanctions, they will appeal to the Appeals Committee. 

 

February 5, 2024