Ancelotti Reacts to Mbappé’s Expulsion: “He Is Not a Violent Player”

Kylian Mbappé’s red card during Real Madrid’s narrow 1-0 victory over Alavés sent shockwaves through La Liga and left many questioning his behavior. The French forward was shown a direct red card for a violent tackle on Antonio Blanco, which took place in the 38th minute of the match. Initially, referee Soto Grado had issued Mbappé a yellow card, but after a VAR review, he changed his decision, deeming the tackle dangerous due to the forceful contact with Blanco’s shin.

The red card came as a result of Mbappé’s sole making direct contact with Blanco’s shin, a challenge that could have caused severe injury. Thankfully, Antonio Blanco was able to continue playing without significant injury, a fact that could play a crucial role in the disciplinary proceedings surrounding Mbappé’s actions.

Davide Ancelotti Defends Mbappé

In the absence of his father Carlo Ancelotti, who was serving a suspension of his own, it was Davide Ancelotti, a member of the coaching staff, who took to the press conference to respond to the incident. He was quick to defend Mbappé, emphasizing that the player is not known for violent behavior.

“Kylian is not a violent player,” Davide explained. “He immediately apologized to Blanco, and he takes full responsibility for the action. It was a logical red card, and he has accepted the consequences of his actions.”

The younger Ancelotti went on to explain that while Mbappé’s actions were unacceptable, they could partly be attributed to his frustration over several earlier fouls that had gone unnoticed. However, Davide made it clear that such behavior could not be justified, but it helped contextualize why Mbappé had reacted in such a manner.

Despite this defense, the gravity of the foul was not downplayed. It was an honest reflection on a mistake that no player, especially one of Mbappé’s stature, should make on the pitch. The Ancelotti family has always held high standards for discipline, and this instance was no different.

Possible Lighter Suspension?

The incident has sparked a variety of reactions in the media, and many are speculating about the potential length of Mbappé’s suspension. Spanish media outlets suggest that Mbappé may receive a lighter penalty than initially expected, thanks to a few mitigating factors.

Eduardo Aguirre, a prominent journalist from El Chiringuito, reported that Mbappé not only apologized to Blanco on the field but also in the locker room, further showing his remorse for the incident. Meanwhile, the sports daily AS speculated that Mbappé could face a suspension of two matches, while La Copa hinted that it could be limited to just one.

The critical point for Mbappé’s defense is the referee’s report, which mentions that Mbappé had been “playing the ball” at the time of the foul. This detail could lead the disciplinary committee to adopt a more lenient approach, as it aligns with Article 130 of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regulations. This rule stipulates that dangerous tackles without serious injury could result in a suspension ranging from one to three matches, depending on the circumstances.

What This Means for Real Madrid

If the suspension is indeed lighter than anticipated, it could provide some relief for Real Madrid, particularly with the upcoming fixtures. The club’s supporters were concerned about Mbappé missing one of the most anticipated matches of the season — the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. However, with a potential two-match suspension, he could miss only the La Liga games against Athletic Bilbao and Getafe, meaning he would remain eligible for the final.

This possibility has been a source of significant relief for Real Madrid’s coaching staff, who are keen to have their star player available for such a crucial encounter. Mbappé’s presence on the field during such high-stakes games would be invaluable, considering his ability to change the course of a match with his individual brilliance.

The Importance of Mbappé’s Role in Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé’s importance to Real Madrid cannot be overstated. Since his arrival, he has been a key player for the team, contributing both goals and assists, and providing a consistent attacking threat. His pace, technical skill, and vision on the ball make him one of the most dangerous forwards in world football.

However, this incident highlights a side of Mbappé that is often overshadowed by his dazzling performances on the pitch. His frustration, which led to the rash tackle, is a reminder that even the best players can have moments of weakness. But it also shows the pressure Mbappé faces in high-stakes matches, particularly when he feels his team is underperforming or when decisions on the pitch are going against him.

For Real Madrid, managing such a player’s temperament is key to maintaining a balanced squad. The club is no stranger to handling star players with big personalities, and this situation will likely serve as a learning experience for both the coaching staff and Mbappé himself.

Mbappé’s Apology and the Team’s Reaction

Following the incident, Kylian Mbappé expressed his regret and issued an apology via social media, stating that he was “sorry for my actions” and promising to learn from the experience. His apology was well received by both his teammates and the Real Madrid fanbase, who have generally been supportive of the French international.

On the pitch, Mbappé has been an essential part of Real Madrid’s attacking setup. His ability to score goals, create opportunities for others, and link up play with his teammates has made him a central figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical plans. While this red card may be a temporary setback, it is unlikely to derail his standing within the team.

The players in the dressing room have expressed their belief that Mbappé will bounce back from this incident stronger and more focused. His leadership on and off the field will be critical as Real Madrid continues to fight for domestic and European glory.

Real Madrid’s Commitment to Fair Play

Despite the frustration caused by Mbappé’s red card, Real Madrid has consistently emphasized the importance of fair play and sportsmanship. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, the club has maintained a strong emphasis on discipline and teamwork, ensuring that players are held to high standards both on and off the pitch.

The red card incident will undoubtedly be discussed in the locker room, and Mbappé’s teammates will likely offer him support as he navigates the disciplinary process. Real Madrid is known for its collective spirit, and this incident, while regrettable, will not overshadow the team’s goals for the remainder of the season.

Conclusion

As Real Madrid moves forward in both domestic and European competitions, the team will look to stay focused on the task at hand. Mbappé’s red card, while disruptive, is just a small blip in what has been an otherwise impressive season for the French forward. His ability to contribute to Real Madrid’s success remains unquestioned, and with the backing of his teammates and coaching staff, he is expected to return to the pitch with renewed determination.

In the meantime, the club will continue to prepare for the upcoming matches, knowing that Mbappé’s presence in key fixtures will be invaluable. The hope is that the disciplinary process will be fair and that Mbappé can soon put this incident behind him, focusing on helping Real Madrid achieve its ambitions for the rest of the season.