Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini could be suspended for between four and 12 matches after making strong criticism of refereeing following his side’s game against Barcelona.
The AESAF referees’ union is holding a meeting to decide whether to refer the Chilean coach’s comments to the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), according to derbyderbyderby.
Pellegrini is under scrutiny because his remarks were seen as questioning the integrity of match officials.
Article 106 of the regulations states that the former Manchester City manager could also be fined between 601 and 3005 euros if disciplinary action is taken.
Pellegrini’s only potential reprieve could come from previous legal cases involving similar comments. Both the Administrative Sports Tribunal (TAD) and the ordinary courts have previously reviewed statements of this nature and classified them as an exercise of the right to freedom of expression.
No decision has yet been made on whether the matter will be submitted to the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee.
