Real Madrid have been expelled from the Spanish Kings Cup after fielding an ineligible player in midweek clash against Cadiz. The player in question was winger Denis Cheryshev, who scored in the 3-1 win, but was supposed to serve a one game after picking up three bookings while on loan at Villarreal last season.
The news is a major blow to Rafa Benitez, who is already under pressure after suffering an embarrassing 4-0 loss in the Clasico to Barcelona earlier this month. Benitez was in charge of Valencia when they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey in 2001 for fielding too many non-EU players
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had earlier defended the club, saying that they were not aware of the ban and therefore should not be punished, and would fight any sanctions.
