Since taking on his coaching role, he will confront a highly delicate moment from the stands as he watches the action unfold. Francisco was suspended for two games following his objections to the refereeing in the match against Barcelona. The Rayo Vallecano coach from Almería will observe these upcoming fixtures from the stands, including the clash with Mallorca scheduled for Monday, October 10, at the same time, as the two teams aim to prove themselves in a crucial phase of the season. The outcomes of these encounters against direct rivals will carry significant weight for Elche and for the Franjiverde managerial group as they navigate a demanding schedule. According to the minutes published by the Competition Committee, Francisco’s protests were deemed to violate Article 127 of the Sporting Act, underscoring the league’s stance on maintaining respect for officiating decisions during competitive matches.
The punishment appears to be precisely tuned to the seriousness of the incident. He maintained that he had not belittled or humiliated anyone, questioning the severity of the sanction. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also handed a two-game ban to Girona’s coach Miguel Ángel Sánchez for what was described as a condescending or inconsiderate attitude toward the referees. In the same vein, Osasuna’s head coach Sergio Pérez received a two-match suspension for protesting the officiating decisions, reflecting a broader pattern of disciplinary actions aimed at preserving fair play and orderly conduct on the touchline.
Elche’s second-in-command will be Jaime Ramos, who is slated to lead the team in the upcoming two fixtures. Ramos has previously stepped in when the first-choice manager faced sanctions or was unavailable, including a period when the team was under COVID-related restrictions. His experience and familiarity with the squad mean that he can steady the group and ensure tactical continuity during this transitional stretch, while the club evaluates long-term options and plans for the remainder of the campaign.
The defender Gonzalo Verdu is set to serve a one-match ban after receiving a red card in the most recent game against Barcelona, a ruling that further complicates Elche’s lineup concerns and forces the coaching staff to adapt their defensive setup for the next test. Verdu’s absence will require a reorganization at the back, with other squad members stepping into higher responsibilities to preserve solidity and balance across the pitch.