Andres Fernandez is sad to see captain Patxi Punal suspended for four games, but has warned his Osasuna teammates to move on, or risk further sanctions.
Captain Punal was sent off for verbally abusing the match official during the team’s match on Sunday against Barcelona.
With Osasuna winning 1-0, Punal was accidentally obstructed from reaching the ball by the match official and from that passage of play Barca took possession and then equalised, prompting Punal’s protests that earned him a four-game ban.
“I was a little surprised and saddened by the sanction of a four-game suspension for Patxi. Everyone knows what he is like on and off the field and he says that he did not say those words,” reflected the goalkeeper today.
“He is downcast because he always wants to help the team and he cannot play for something unjust. At least his punishment was equal to that of Fabio Coentrao. I’ve not seen the pictures but I believe Patxi’s word.
“Patxi has not said those things and it saddens me that they punish a player who will never argue.”
The decision has been taken to the Appeals Committee, but Fernandez is not optimistic.
“I honestly don’t think so. They have never given much to Osasuna so it will be difficult. We have to stay quiet, lest we get more punishments and work.
“If we all complain and get angry with the referees about it then it is more likely that we will come out losers. It is best to move on. We will support Patxi in every way we can and then prepare for the next game.
“It’s very sad that we are speaking about the referee when the team did an outstanding job. It is now within ourselves to maintain that level against Barcelona.
“If we can forget everything else and maintain the enthusiasm and excitement, we will stay on course. We want a good Osasuna.”
