Real Madrid could face sanction after delaying restart of second half vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be heading into the international break with a major headache, with their inconsistent start to the season compounded by a 2-1 defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid.

In a game that was dominated by questionable calls from the referee, another key talking point was the delayed restart, purely due to Real Madrid.

Indeed, the match’s second half started five minutes late, and the incident could now land the club in hot water.

Real Madrid could face action

The Madrid derby was full of controversy. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

According to Mundo Deportivo, referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias noted the delay in his official match report, stating that the second period began five minutes behind schedule because Real Madrid delayed their exit to the field of play.

That detail could trigger disciplinary proceedings under the RFEF’s regulations. Article 89 stipulates that when a team delays its exit to the pitch, either at the start of the match or for the second half, the club can be fined up to €3,000.

A repeated delay of this nature could be deemed incorrect conduct by the manager, potentially leading to his expulsion and a suspension of one to three matches, meaning Jose Mourinho himself could be in the firing line.

A warning likely for now

Lot to ponder for Jose Mourinho. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Despite the regulations, Real Madrid are unlikely to face immediate punishment on this occasion.

As has been customary in previous seasons, the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee tends to issue a warning for a first offence rather than an outright fine or suspension.

It is only in cases of repeat offences, typically around three, that the disciplinary body imposes financial penalties on the club and considers sanctioning the coach.

For now, then, Real Madrid will most likely escape with a caution, though the episode adds to what has been a frustrating period for Mourinho’s side.

The defeat to Atletico leaves Real Madrid with plenty to ponder over the international break, and the last thing they will want is further disciplinary complications as they look to rediscover their best form.