On Tuesday, I wrote a column discussing Real Madrid's circumventing of established disciplinary rules to ensure that two key players would be around in the next phase of the Champions League.
Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos got themselves intentionally expelled from their team's CL match at Ajax, ostensibly to avoid having their yellow card accumulation carry over into the playoff round. They did so at the tail end of a comprehensive 4-0 victory, seemingly at the behest of manager Jose Mourinho.
It seemed like a smart move at the time, regardless of the spirit of the actions. As it turns out, it may not have been so smart after all.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
UEFA is investigating the incidents, alleging that Mourinho and company committed unsporting conduct. The cases will be heard next week, and, if UEFA is in the mood to flex its muscles, could end up in a longer suspension for the players, plus a time-out for the gaffer.
I'm betting UEFA does just that, forcing the players to sit for at least two CL matches, plus maybe pay a small fine. Mourinho will likely receive a much larger fine, and maybe even a larger suspension. UEFA doesn't take too kindly to managers thumbing their noses so blatantly at their authority, so I expect them to eagerly make an example out of "The Special One."
What do you guys think? Given this turn of events, were the actions of the coach and players as smart as originally thought? Do you agree that they should be punished?