Real Madrid Delegation to Argue Case in Nyon - Last chance saloon for Xabi's Cardiff bid

Posted Thursday, August 07, 2014 by Marca.com

Real Madrid are pulling out all the stops in their attempt to clear Xabi Alonso to feature in the UEFA Super Cup on 12th August in Cardiff. A delegation from the club is set to travel to Nyon to argue the midfielder's case to UEFA's Appeals Body on Thursday.

Depending on how the hearing goes, a decision should be reached on Xabi's suspension - which was handed out by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on 17th July - later on Thursday or on Friday.

In the document 'Los Blancos' submitted to UEFA a few days ago, which will form the crux of their argument, the club argued that the punishment given to the Basque anchorman was over the top.

Real's reasoning is that a fine or a Champions League ban would have been more appropriate. Firstly, because although Alonso did leap out of the stands and run along the touchline when celebrating Gareth Bale's goal against Atlético in Lisbon, he didn't actually venture on to the field of play. And secondly, because it doesn't make sense (in their view) for the one-match suspension, if deemed necessary, to be served in a different competition to the one in which the original offence took place.