adminA footballer was sent off by a harsh referee after he paid tribute to the vice president of his club who passed away.
Villarreal star Alex Baena was given his marching orders when he lifted his shirt to reveal the name of the club’s deceased vice-president, Jose Manuel Llaneza. Llaneza, tragically died earlier in the week after losing his battle with leukemia.
Baena decided to unveil his touching shirt tribute when he netted Villarreal’s equaliser against Almeria in the first half. But the ref wasn’t impressed by Baena’s warm gesture, handing him a yellow card — his second on the night — for lifting up his top.
Baena was in disbelief when he was shown the red card and remonstrated with the cold-hearted official about the decision, to no avail. His team-mates also swarmed around the ref in protest, but their anger had little effect on the game’s decision maker.
Baena’s team-mate Manu Morlanes also felt the card happy ref’s wrath from the dugout when he was shown a red card moments later as Villarreal’s furious bench surrounded the official. The La Liga outfit’s boss Unai Emery could only look on in disbelief as the shocking scenes unfolded around him.
But the ref’s heartless actions couldn’t stop the Yellow Submariners nicking a late winner through Nicolas Jackson. It was a much-needed victory for Emery’s side, who previously lost 3-0 to Barcelona in the league, and they’ll be hoping to continue their winning form in the Europa Conference League this week, where West Ham could await in the knockout stages.
Both Villarreal and the Hammers sit at the top of their respective groups in the competition with 12 points after four games. Hammers fans have been enjoying the club’s time in Europe so far, having received free beers from Danish side Silkeborg when the sides met in September.
They also got to witness star player Lucas Paqueta produce some Neymar-esque skill in the East Londoners’ clash against Anderlecht earlier this month. – Daily Star.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter