The RFEF Disciplinary Committee has harshly punished Isi Palazón following his sending-off in the three-all draw against Real Sociedad. The total sanction is seven matches: one for accumulated yellow cards, two for protesting, and four for insulting the referee. The Rayo Vallecano player thus misses a key part of the season, forcing the team to readjust its attack without its most creative piece.
The tactical void on Rayo's right flank ⚽
Without Isi, Francisco loses his main playmaker from inside. Rayo's system usually relies on his diagonals and his ability to link up with the full-back. Now, the 4-2-3-1 formation will have to mutate: Álvaro García could occupy that flank with freedom, while a more physical double pivot like Óscar Valentín and Unai López would seek to cover the loss of dribbling. The high press also suffers, as Isi was the one in charge of initiating the offensive vigilance.
The new star from the bench: the technical gesture of indignation 😅
Seven matches give plenty of time, enough for Isi to earn a master's degree in non-violent communication with the referee. Perhaps the club should hire a gesture translator to explain to him that saying this is incredible with his hands on his head is not a valid tactical resource. Meanwhile, in Vallecas they are already speculating that his next goal will be celebrated by reading the referee's report out loud, just to see if that earns them a match off their suspension.