Bizarre As Villarreal Player Receives Red Card for Paying Tribute to Club Vice President, Who Died This Week

• Alex Baena was sent off for lifting his shirt up to reveal a tribute to Villarreal's vice president, who passed away on October 20
• Jose Manuel Llaneza, who had been in hospital since February this year, passed away in the hospital today after a long battle with cancer
• Baena's sending-off did not affect the Yellow Submarines in a negative manner as they secured a 2-1 win against Almeria

Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena was sent off in bizarre circumstances during his side's league game against Almeria on Sunday afternoon.

Baena, who scored the equalizing goal for the Yellow Submarines, received his marching orders after referee Bengoetxea flashed a second yellow card to the Spaniard.

The 21-year-old attacker, who has been a revelation this season, lifted his shirt to pay tribute to club vice president Jose Manuel Llaneza, who passed away in hospital today after a long battle with cancer.

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How did Baena receive his unfortunate red card?

Villarreal were trailing by a lone goal at halftime in their first home game after the passing of the club's vice president.

However, the Yellow Submarines found the equalizer 11 minutes after recess when red-hot midfielder Alex Baena scored from a corner.

In his bid to pay his last respects to Llaneza, the 21-year-old midfielder got himself in trouble.

After lifting his top to show the message, ‘Thanks for everything Llaneza’ on it, the referee brandished a second yellow for lifting his top over his head.

Who is Jose Manuel Llaneza?

Jose Manuel Llaneza joined Villarreal when the club were in the second division in 1994.

He rose through the ranks at the Yellow Submarines during his 28-year stint taking up the positions as a manager and a CEO before becoming Vice-President.

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According to Football Espana, Manuel Llaneza passed away in the hospital on Thursday, October 20 after a long battle with cancer.

Villarreal show support for Haller with a touching gesture

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Villareal players showed their support for Borussia Dortmund striker, Sebastian Haller before their pre-season friendly victory against Borussia Dortmund.

Haller has been receiving lots of support from the football community after he was diagnosed with a testicular tumour earlier this week following complaints of feeling unwell.

In a touching display of solidarity, the Daily Mail reports that the Villareal players gave the Bundesliga side a signed shirt dedicated to Haller.