Barcelona Star Sent Off for Elbowing Opponent in La Liga Opener Against Getafe, Video

• Raphinha was sent off against Getafe on Sunday
• Barcelona were in action for the first time this season
• The Catalan giants shared the spoils with Getafe

Barcelona forward, Raphinha was sent off inside 42 minutes of the Catalans' debut in the 2023/24 La Liga season on Sunday night.

The Brazil international was shown a direct red card due to his aggressive behaviour, as he intentionally thrust his right elbow into the head of Getafe's left-back, Gaston Alvarez.

This unsightly off-the-ball incident occurred just four minutes after the Brazilian had received a yellow card for a previous infringement.

Referee Cesar Soto Grado seemed initially inclined to caution Raphinha with a second yellow card, but after consultation with his assistant, he opted to issue a straight red card instead.

This was the first red card of Raphinha's Barca career. He received ten yellows during his first season with the Catalan club, per Football Espana.

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Barca thought they may have been awarded a late, late penalty when there was a VAR check for a foul on Gavi, but no spot kick was given and there was time for Anthony Lozano to head narrowly wide from a corner before the final whistle was eventually blown in the 106th minute, per Eurosport.

Getafe, Barcelona share the spoils

Sports Brief reported that Spanish champions Barcelona began their La Liga title defence with a frustrating 0-0 draw at Getafe on Sunday, with both sides reduced to 10 men in a bad-tempered clash.

Xavi handed debuts to summer signings Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu as Barcelona began their campaign with one of the most uncomfortable away trips of the season.

The Catalans had failed to score in their three previous visits to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez and Getafe got into Barcelona's faces from the start.

Raphinha wants Barcelona success

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Raphinha stating he still has lots to offer Barcelona and is not looking forward to leaving Camp Nou anytime soon, despite an underwhelming campaign so far.

The Brazilian winger joined La Blaugrana amid huge fanfare last summer from Leeds, but the 26-year-old has failed to meet the club’s expectations.

Raphinha has only managed two goals in 16 appearances for Barcelona, prompting reports of the club being willing to offload him after one season.