Facundo Bernal handed four-match ban for headbutting Lamine Yamal

Real Betis midfielder Facundo Bernal has been issued a four-match suspension by the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee. The sanction follows an incident during a La Liga match against Barcelona, where Bernal grabbed Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal by the neck and delivered two consecutive headbutts to his face while the ball was out of play.

The committee classified the incident as an act of aggression under Article 103 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, which mandates suspensions between four and 12 matches for such actions when no injury occurs. Although Bernal received the minimum penalty allowed by regulation, Real Betis has announced its intention to appeal the decision, arguing that the punishment is disproportionate and that the referee's report contained material errors regarding the preceding confrontation.

In addition to Bernal's ban, the committee imposed a two-match suspension on Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo for behavior contrary to sporting regulations. Manager Manuel Pellegrini received a warning following his criticisms of the officiating. If the suspension stands, Bernal will miss upcoming La Liga fixtures against Celta Vigo, Malaga, and Elche, as well as a Copa del Rey match.