Arda Guler avoids dismissal as Real Betis protests intensify at La Cartuja

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler escaped a second yellow card during Friday’s meeting with Real Betis, prompting furious protests from the Andalusian side and bringing Jose Mourinho into the centre of a heated refereeing dispute at La Cartuja.

Guler had already been booked during the first half of the fourth-round La Liga fixture when he committed another clear foul on Marc Roca in the 52nd minute. The challenge came as the Turkey international attempted to win back possession and appeared to provide grounds for a second caution, which would have resulted in his dismissal.

The player appeared to recognise the danger immediately. Guler raised his hand in apology after the challenge, seemingly aware that he could have been shown another yellow card. However, referee Hernandez decided not to stop play to issue a further booking and allowed the match to continue.

That decision triggered an angry response from the Real Betis players. Captain Isco was among those who approached the referee, with the home side demanding an explanation for Guler remaining on the pitch despite having already been cautioned.

The reaction continued from the stands, where Real Betis supporters expressed their strong disapproval of the decision. The incident quickly became the main talking point of a tense encounter at La Cartuja, with the home team convinced that Real Madrid should have been reduced to 10 men.

The next incident added to the intensity. Konate was penalised for a foul on Fran Garcia immediately after the disputed challenge involving Guler and was shown a yellow card by Hernandez.

Mourinho reacted angrily to that decision from the touchline. His protests were penalised by the referee, who also booked the Portuguese manager.

The booking marked a notable change in Mourinho’s demeanour compared with the opening three rounds of the Spanish league campaign. He had maintained a calm presence during those matches, but his response to Konate’s caution showed the level of frustration surrounding the officials’ decisions at La Cartuja.

The sequence of incidents left Real Betis players and supporters particularly aggrieved. Their anger had first centred on Guler’s second challenge, before the subsequent booking for Konate and Mourinho’s reaction ensured the controversy remained at the heart of the match.

The meeting between Real Madrid and Real Betis was being played on Friday evening as part of the fourth round of the competition. It was the failure to send off Guler, however, that generated the strongest protests, with Isco and his team-mates seeking an explanation while the home crowd made their feelings clear.