Sergio Ramos Could Face 2nd UCL Ban for Pitch Encroachment Against Juventus

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos could be banned for the first leg of his side's UEFA Champions League semi-final after his appearance on the sidelines during Wednesday's clash with Juventus. 

Ramos, suspended for the quarter-final second leg, was seen near the tunnel during Madrid's dramatic 3-1 loss; a late penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo was enough to send Los Blancos into the last four.

Madrid may have to play the first leg of the next round without the centre-back, though. As James Dutton of MailOnline noted, given Ramos was suspended for the clash with Juventus he shouldn't have been pitchside during the game.

"He was spotted by the TV cameras gesticulating wildly at the mouth of the tunnel as his team-mates toiled, having seen their 3-0 aggregate lead whittled away," Dutton said. "After Lucas Vazquez won a dramatic stoppage-time penalty for the hosts, Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri was spotted remonstrating with Ramos on the sidelines, telling him he should not have been there."

According to Sky Sports' Guillem Balague, Ramos was not aware he wasn't allowed to be near the tunnel during the game:

As Dutton reported, UEFA make it clear any suspended player is not allowed near the technical area and that anyone who breaches such a regulation will be handed another match ban.

Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images

It means the centre-back could be forced to watch on from the stands as Madrid seek to make their fourth Champions League final in five years. They will find out whether they will play Liverpool, Roma or Bayern Munich on Friday.

According to Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE, the referee on the night, Michael Oliver, made reference to Ramos' presence in his post-match report (h/t Robbie Dunne of ESPN FC):

If Ramos is hit with another ban, it would be a massive blow for Los Blancos in their quest to win the Champions League for the third year running.

On Wednesday, it was clear how much they missed their captain's leadership, as Juventus moved into a 3-0 lead to level the tie. Ronaldo's late penalty, awarded after Medhi Benatia was deemed to have fouled Lucas Vazquez, spared Madrid's blushes at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As Miguel Delaney of The Independent noted, Madrid also missed his defensive instincts and aerial dominance:

Although Madrid are renowned for their attacking prowess, they never quite look the same side without Ramos at the base of the team. At this point in the season, in particular, the Spain international becomes a positive force for Real, making big contributions at the back and chipping in with key goals too.

Any side coming up against Madrid without Ramos would fancy their chances of getting among the goals. Los Blancos supporters will be hoping their skipper can somehow escape punishment and feature in both semi-final clashes.