Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos Should Be Disciplined By UEFA

Real Madrid progressed to the latter stages of the Champions League last night as they humbled Ajax Amsterdam in convincing fashion. However, the win was marred by the unacceptable acts of two of Real’s more experienced players, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos. In the dying minutes of the game both players were sent off for time-wasting and on closer inspection these actions were no mistake: They were intentional and for this reason both players should be punished.

Heading in to the match day five clash with Ajax both Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso were on one yellow card each. Having picked up yellow cards during the match meant that both players would have their two cautions carried through with them to the next stage of the competition.

But by being sent off both players will now enter the knockout stages with a clean slate after serving their suspension in the next dead rubber with Auxerre. In addition, the possibility of Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso receiving a yellow card in match day six is now eliminated. Had this occurred they would have been suspended for the first leg of the round of 16.

Clearly, given the circumstances and the ludicrous way in which both internationals had themselves sent off, there was an obvious motivation behind their expulsions against Ajax.

Such behaviour in football only serves to make a farce of the game. Deliberate and unethical behaviour as demonstrated by these two Spanish internationals has no place in the game and should be dealt with accordingly.

Instead of having their slates wiped clean for the next stage, UEFA should punish both players by suspending them for the first game of the knockout stages. Only if such action is taken will UEFA get the message across to other players that if they are to act in the same way they also will not avoid punishment.

UEFA needs to protect its product. Manipulation of the game’s rules and regulations by managers, players and/or officials is a serious offense. Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso’s double act is no less a crime than more serious acts of manipulation that we have seen in the past from the game's shadier figures. Their actions are not as grave but nonetheless they are on the same side of the fence and must be dealt with accordingly.