The RFEF, as it usually does at the end of the day’s matches, published the VAR audios. In the case of Mbappe’s sending off at Mendizorroza, Soto Grado received the warning from the VOR room and analysed a play that ended with the Frenchman in the dressing room early.
Kylian Mbappe did not have his day at Mendizorroza. The Frenchman, who looked very lost in the early stages, was involved in a reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco in the 37th minute, which resulted in his sending-off.
Soto Grado, who had previously shown the Bondy native a yellow card, was advised by VAR to review the incident on the monitor for a potential red card. This very moment came to light following the release of the audio recordings by the RFEF.
“Cesar, I recommend you come and look at the monitor for a potential sending-off,” Gil Manzano told the main referee. The official approached the screen and spoke with his colleagues via the earpiece.
“Okay. Show it to me. The impact is high,” he said first, before making the decision. “Okay. The impact is high, he goes in with intensity, there’s a twist… it’s a red card. I’ll take back the yellow and show Kylian Mbappe the red,” Soto Grado concluded.
Madrid fans were concerned about the possibility of the Frenchman missing the Copa del Rey final if he were handed a significant ban – four games or more.
However, this now appears unlikely following the referee’s report, which stated that Mbappe’s challenge, albeit high on intensity, occurred “in a challenge for the ball,” thus meaning the Frenchman will avoid a lengthy ban. All indications suggest he will face a suspension of 1 to 3 matches.