Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini could be suspended for between four and 12 matches after making strong comments about refereeing following his side’s game against Barcelona.
The AESAF referees’ union is holding a meeting to decide whether to refer Pellegrini’s remarks to the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), according to derbyderbyderby.
The Chilean coach is being considered for disciplinary action because his comments were viewed as questioning the integrity of the officials.
Under Article 106 of the regulations, Pellegrini could also be fined between 601 and 3,005 euros if the case is pursued. The potential sanction applies to the former Manchester City manager because of the nature of his statements about the referees.
Pellegrini’s main hope may rest with previous legal decisions involving similar comments. Both the Sports Administrative Tribunal (TAD) and the ordinary courts have previously reviewed comparable statements and classified them as an exercise of the right to freedom of expression.