Goodness gracious. Real Madrid's Pepe has just been sent off for a... marginal challenge on Dani Alves. The midfielder went in high on a 50-50 ball and just about nicks Alves on the shin, but the right-back goes tumbling and writhing in apparent agony, summoning a stretcher to bear him off the pitch. At the risk of making light of injury, I'd put good money on him not being hurt. Anyway, Barcelona players crowd around the Wolfgang Stark, begging for a card, and eventually he pulls out a red. A yellow would have been far, far more sensible.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, 2011 UEFA Champions League Semifinal: Pepe Shown Straight Red For Tackle On Dani Alves
Yikes. Jose Mourinho isn't exactly impressed by the decision, and apparently he said something naughty as a result - he too has been sent off and has to take a place in the stands. With Pepe and Sergio Ramos both missing for the next leg, that red card has huge ramifications for the whole tie, and obviously Madrid now have to play with ten men for the remainder of the match. There are still 25 minutes to go, too.
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