The exact words that got Real Madrid starlet sent off against Getafe: ‘What a shame…’ | OneFootball

It was a frustrating night for Real Madrid, and it ended in the worst possible way for one of their brightest young talents.

Teenage starlet Franco Mastantuono was sent off in the closing stages of the 0-1 defeat to Getafe. 

The Argentine came on in the 69th minute but was dismissed in stoppage time after protesting towards referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz.

The red card was confirmed in the official match report, where the referee detailed the reason behind the decision. 

Why was Mastantuono sent off?

After hearing Mastantuono’s complaints, Muniz Ruiz warned him twice to stop. When the protests continued, he had no hesitation in reaching for the red.

In the report, the referee wrote, 

“In the 90th minute, player (30) MASTANTUONO, FRANCO was sent off for the following reason: For shouting at me on two occasions in the following terms: ‘What a shame, what a f**king disgrace,’” the report said.

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 02: Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid walks off after being shown the red card during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Getafe CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 02, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

That statement confirms that it was not a physical challenge or foul. It was purely verbal, and under Spanish football regulations, it can carry serious consequences.

According to Article 124 of the competition rules, attitudes of contempt or disrespect towards referees are punishable offences. As a result, Mastantuono could now face a suspension of up to two matches. 

Most notably, there is a recent precedent as well. Jude Bellingham received a two-match suspension after his controversial outburst in Pamplona, which falls under similar disciplinary grounds.

For Mastantuono, the timing is unfortunate, as the former River Plate youngster has already struggled for consistent minutes at Real Madrid. 

Now, just as he looks to gain rhythm, he could be sidelined again, which would be a costly punishment for a player still trying to establish himself at the highest level.

For now, Real Madrid will wait for the disciplinary committee’s decision to know the outcome.

Source: SPORT