Sevilla defender banned

Late tackle
Alfaro, who has been sent off 23 times in his professional career, was punished for stamping on the Real Madrid CF full-back Michel Salgado during the match at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium on 2 January. "After clearing the ball and being the recipient of a late tackle by the Real Madrid player, he [Alfaro] looked down and then stood on his opponent with his left leg," a CEDD statement said.

Ungentlemanly conduct
Although the 33-year-old former Club Atlético de Madrid and UD Mérida defender was not booked for the challenge, he had been guilty of "ungentlemanly conduct", the CEDD said. He had "no intention of playing the ball and had caused his opponent to miss the rest of the match".

More serious incidents
Using video evidence, the CEDD began proceedings against Alfaro, who also played for Real Zaragoza, FC Barcelona and Real Racing Club Santander, on 3 January. However, Sevilla have said they hope the CEDD will reduce the penalty. "Last season and this there have been more serious incidents that the Comité have not even looked at," a club official said.

Zidane foul
Sevilla also cited a similar foul by Madrid's Zinedine Zidane on the RC Celta de Vigo defender Juan Velasco during the match at the Balaídos stadium last Sunday. However, the CEDD has declined to charge the Frenchman, arguing that "there was a chance of playing the ball".