Why Did RFEF Suspend Brais Mendez Following The Basque Derby?

Fans of Spanish side Real Sociedad will be livid after the recent update on Brais Mendez suspension following his red card in matchweek 22 of La Liga. The Spaniard has been handed a two-game suspension from the Royal Spanish Football Federation due to his actions in the recent Basque derby against Athletic Club.

The 29-year-old was shoved in the back by Athletic defender Aitor Paredes, which led to Mendez taking a wild swing back. Paredes went on to fall on the ground, clutching his face with both hands, leading to referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez showing the red card. The former Celta de Vigo man is expected to miss the club's next two games against Elche CF and one of the best football clubs in the world, Real Madrid.

Was Brais Mendez Red Card A Fair Decision?

While the physical reaction from Mendez was rash, the connection from his arm to Paredes has fostered debate among Sociedad fans. In its appeal, the club pointed out that there was ‘sufficient provocation’ from the Athletic Club defender towards its player.

It also noted that there was an absence of intent, aggression, violence, or any resulting injuries from Brais Mendez to Aitor Paredes. The San Sebastian-based side has requested the RFEF to award its player the minimum sanction for his actions against Athletic Club.

When Will Brais Mendez Suspension End?

Brais Mendez will be back and available for selection for the match against Real Oviedo in matchweek 25 of La Liga. However, Sociedad will have to play two key games against Elche and Real Madrid without Mendez, who could have been a game-changer for head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo.

Real Sociedad, who signed the player in July 2022, paid a transfer fee of approximately €15 million to secure his signature. Mendez has made 158 appearances for the Basque club, scoring 32 goals and providing 24 assists during the tenure.