Real Madrid right royally f*cked up in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening – by playing an ineligible player.
Russian winger Denis Cheryshev started the game against Cadiz, and indeed vindicated his selection – from a footballing point of view at least – by scoring Real’s opener.
However, the 24-year-old should not have been anywhere near the teamsheet as he was technically suspended from the cup competition.
Three yellow cards for Villarreal in last season’s competition – the final booking against Barcelona’s Gerard Pique – meant that he should have been serving a one-game suspension.
His involvement could have dire consequences for Rafael Benitez and his charges, as it could very likely result in Real’s expulsion from the competition.
On a bizarre night, news of the rule violation filtered to the Cadiz fans at the game via social media, as they started to sing: “Benitez look at Twitter, we’re going to win this game because Cheryshev can’t play!”
