Xabi Alonso and Diego Simeone Banned 1 Match by UEFA for Misconduct

UEFA clearly hasn't forgotten the ugly scenes toward the end of Real Madrid's 4-1 Champions League win over city rivals Atletico. A late spat, which had Atletico boss Diego Simeone at the heart of it, has drawn the ire of European football's governing body.   

Simeone has been sanctioned along with veteran Los Blancos midfield playmaker Xabi Alonso, per the Associated Press' Rob Harris:

Harris has also detailed the monetary punishments enforced on both clubs:

Real Madrid TV's Phil Kitromilides details what the ban means for Alonso:

It's fair to say these sanctions will be considered trifling by many, particularly the fine handed to Real, who are never short of ample funds.

In particular, a one-game ban might well be considered a lenient punishment after Simeone's antics. He came within a whisker of permanently tarnishing his fine managerial achievement of steering Atletico to the final, as well as winning Spain's La Liga.

The incident had been sparked by the Argentine coach's contention that young Real centre-back Raphael Varane had deliberately kicked the ball toward him, per Daily Mail writer Luke Augustus.

Los Blancos were 4-1 in front at the time, after rallying to overcome a first-half Diego Godin header. But Simeone had been steadily simmering for some time.

His rancour concerned the amount of injury time allotted by final official Bjorn Kuipers. However, although it was in that period that Atletico relinquished the advantage they would never reclaim, Simeone could have few complaints.

His team had been engaging in what can be generously called "gamesmanship." Atletico players produced several cute ploys, such as exaggerating contact, to try to run the clock down.

But that didn't matter to Simeone, as he attempted to attack Varane. The bullish manager certainly wanted more than a strong word with the young France international and had to be restrained by players and assistants.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Alonso's suspension, meanwhile, stems from his response to Gareth Bale's goal that put Real 2-1 up deep into extra time. Daily Mirror reporter Liam Prenderville detailed Alonso's antics: "The 32-year-old - who was banned from the tie and as such couldn't sit on the bench - ran down the touchline to join in the celebrations with his team-mates."

UEFA moved fast to remonstrate both clubs and the individuals concerned. However, the 2014 FIFA World Cup naturally came before the official announcement of sanctions.

Now Simeone and Alonso know exactly what their erratic behaviour in Lisbon has cost them. What the impact of this decision will be remains to be seen, but it figures to be minimal.