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After yesterday's UEFA Champions League semi-final match between Madrid and , a lot of controversies arose regarding referee Wolfgang Stark's decision to send 'royal' club defender Pepe off the field.
Josep Guardiola's players won with a score of 2-0, and Lionel Messi scored twice, while the owners of the 'Santiago Bernabeu' stadium were already in the minority.
As discussions continue, we suggest watching the episode again, after which the Portugal national team member was sent off to the locker room:
Upon reviewing the footage, it is clear that Pepe's opponent did not touch him. The defender played dangerously, but according to football rules, dangerous play is often punished with a yellow card.
On the other hand, playacting also leads to sanctions. Alves' actions after no contact (resembling an invitation to a medical mill) seem like simulation of injury.
The Brazilian was already cautioned in the first half, and a second yellow card would mean removal from the field.
