UEFA to investigate Real reds

UEFA are believed to have launched an investigation into the dismissal of Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos during Real Madrid’s win over Ajax.

Alonso and Ramos are suspected of deliberately drawing second yellow cards in Real’s 4-0 Champions League victory at the Amsterdam Arena on Tuesday.

The pair are now ruled out of a meaningless group game against Auxerre for the Spanish giants, but should be set to return with a clean disciplinary record for the all-important knock-out stages.

Real manager Jose Mourinho denies the allegations, but UEFA’s disciplinary unit have reportedly launched an investigation into the situation, with the governing body’s article 5.1 – addressing loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship – the primary area of concern.

If they are found guilty of breaching the regulations, Ramos and Alonso potentially face the prospect of their one-game suspensions being extended.

The dismissals came under immediate suspicion, heightened by Dutch broadcaster NOS, which showed footage of Mourinho speaking to Alonso shortly before his dismissal.

Pictures have also emerged of reserve goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek speaking to captain Iker Casillas, who appeared to pass on a message to a visibly surprised Ramos.

“I spoke with many players throughout the game, not only with Ramos and Alonso,” Mourinho said afterwards.

“Stories sell, but the important thing is the 4-0 win and the fantastic game we had. Let’s talk about that and not other things.”

“We haven’t gone looking for the cards,” Ramos told AS.

“Seeing what the scoreline was, the referee could have spared them (the cards). But he sent me off and that’s it.”