Getafe Defender Receives Two-Match Ban for Incident with Atlético Madrid’s Sorloth
Madrid – Getafe defender Abdel Abqar has been handed a two-match suspension by La Liga following an unusual incident during Saturday’s match against Atlético Madrid. The suspension stems from a gesture deemed “unsportsmanlike conduct” by league officials, specifically pinching Atlético Madrid forward Alexander Sorloth.
The incident occurred in the 55th minute of the La Liga contest. Initially unnoticed by the on-field referee, Alfonso Pérez Burrull, the play was brought to his attention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). After reviewing the footage, Pérez Burrull issued a red card to Abqar, ejecting him from the match. The bizarre sequence of events quickly gained traction on social media, with footage circulating widely.
💥 | El VAR entra en el Metropolitano en una acción insólita. 🔴⚪️🇪🇸
📌 Abqar que tenía curiosidad por el tamaño de las partes de Sorloth, se las inspecciona, ES ROJA
✅ Acierto del conjunto arbitral
🏟️ Atlético de Madrid- Getafe pic.twitter.com/wGIdSoQ3fY
— Laliga News (@laligaa_neews) March 14, 2026
Sorloth reacted to the pinch by grabbing Abqar’s arm and pushing him to the ground, earning himself a yellow card for the unsporting action. The incident added an unexpected and controversial chapter to a match that Atlético Madrid ultimately won 3-1.
Following the match, Abqar claimed he intended only to touch Sorloth’s stomach, not his groin. “I never saw a player get sent off for that, these are actions that we spot all the time and I don’t suppose he grabbed his testicles,” Getafe manager Pepe Bordalas stated, defending his player. However, La Liga officials were not swayed by these explanations.
The league’s decision means Abqar will miss Getafe’s upcoming fixtures against Espanyol de Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao. This suspension represents a significant blow to Getafe, who will be without a key defender during a crucial stretch of the season. The incident raises questions about acceptable conduct on the pitch and the role of VAR in identifying and punishing such actions.
Alfonso Pérez Burrull, the referee at the center of the decision, has a long history in Spanish football. He began officiating in La Liga in the 1997-1998 season and became a FIFA-accredited international referee in 2002, though his first international match wasn’t until 2009 – a friendly between Australia and Ireland. He retired from officiating in 2010. Pérez Burrull was similarly a fourth official during the 2009 UEFA Cup Final.
This incident is likely to spark further debate about the boundaries of acceptable physical play in football. Even as robust challenges are a part of the game, actions deemed intentionally harmful or disrespectful are subject to disciplinary action. The league’s swift response sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Getafe will need to adjust their defensive lineup in Abqar’s absence. The team will be looking to other players to step up and fill the void, particularly against Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao, two opponents who pose different tactical challenges. The suspension also puts added pressure on the remaining defenders to maintain a solid backline and prevent conceding goals.
The incident also highlights the increasing scrutiny on player conduct, fueled by the widespread availability of video footage and the use of VAR. Referees are now under immense pressure to make accurate decisions, and any perceived errors are quickly amplified by social media and the media. This increased scrutiny is likely to continue as the game evolves.
Looking ahead, Getafe will aim to put this controversy behind them and focus on their upcoming matches. The team will need to demonstrate resilience and determination to overcome this setback and achieve their goals for the season. Their match against Espanyol de Barcelona will be a crucial test of their character and ability to perform under pressure.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Getafe is their away match against Espanyol de Barcelona on March 28, 2026, at 14:00 CET (13:00 UTC). Fans can follow updates on La Liga’s official website and through major sports news outlets.
What are your thoughts on the incident and the severity of the punishment? Share your opinions in the comments below.
