Pepe Sent Off with Straight Red Card for Alleged Face Punch Against Sporting Lisbon Opponent
Pepe, renowned for his tenacity in football, earned a straight red card during Porto’s derby against Sporting Lisbon on Monday for allegedly punching his opponent. With a track record of 16 red cards in his illustrious career, the 40-year-old defender, despite his extensive experience with Real Madrid and the Portuguese national team, occasionally succumbs to moments of impulsiveness.
During the match against bitter rivals Sporting Lisbon, shortly after halftime, Pepe seemingly punched Matheus Reis in the face. The incident unfolded as Reis shoved Pepe in the back after setting the ball down for a free-kick. The Champions League winner retaliated by swinging his arm towards his opponent’s face.
Referee Nuno Almeida reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor and, after a lengthy deliberation, issued a red card to Pepe. The Portugal international responded with a sarcastic round of applause.
On social media, fans reacted to the video, with one expressing, “Never change Pepe.” Another commented, “Pepe’s red card proves that the game is still alive.” While a third acknowledged Pepe’s deserving of the card, they argued it was in response to a blatant yellow-worthy tackle, questioning the need for such aggression when the ball was already dead.
Some fans humorously remarked on Pepe’s penchant for red cards, with one joking, “Can’t even punch other players now, game’s gone.” Another fan mused, “Football will be more boring once Pepe retires. He always finds new ways to get a red. That is a rare talent.”
