Sevilla Coach Almeyda Suspended for Seven Matches

The Spanish soccer federation has suspended Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda for seven matches following his ejection during a La Liga match against Alaves on Saturday. The decision, announced Wednesday by the federation's disciplinary committee, stems from Almeyda's confrontation with officials in the closing moments of Sevilla's 1-1 home draw at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium in Seville.

Almeyda, the 52-year-old Argentine manager, received a red card from referee Iosu Galech after protesting a decision on the field. He lingered on the pitch for over a minute, repeatedly questioning the referee with phrases such as "Why are you sending me off?" before eventually leaving. The committee detailed the suspension as comprising three matches for contempt and repeated disrespect toward the officiating team, two matches for protests and complaints directed at the crew, one match for failing to depart the field promptly, and one additional match for conduct that disregarded public order and sporting norms.

In a post-match statement, Almeyda apologized for his behavior while expressing confusion over the ejection. "I regret my actions, but I still want to understand why it happened," he...