Luka Modric doesn’t strike us as the sassy type.
But the referee in charge of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night was clearly of the opinion that the Croatian midfielder was being cheeky as he double-checked the 10 yards that were marked out for a free kick to the home side.
No matter how many times you watch the footage of Modric pacing out the distance between ball and the Real wall that was being assembled, it continues to look absolutely innocuous.
Modric contando los 9 pasos al árbitro y dejando en evidencia que había mucha distancia del balón a barrera, pues amarilla.#ChampionsTotal pic.twitter.com/Fl0h3iReEW
— Mrs. Holmes (@cunetita) September 26, 2017
The rules state that a yellow card will be awarded to a player who “fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in” or “who delays the start of play” or “shows dissent by word or action.”
We’re not sure which of those offences Modric was found guilty of and he likely didn’t know either, given the perplexed look on his face.
Modric with quite possibly the best reaction to a yellow card so far. #UCL #RMUCL #BVB #BVBRMA pic.twitter.com/sJ5090Hxsg
— GolazoJuice (@GolazoJuice) September 26, 2017
Some viewers were similarly baffled about the decision.
Buh Modric's yellow, I don't understand #HalaMadrid
— Ha’U (@Hauwau_SB) September 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/iUsama719/status/912762180986195974
Why Modric got booked. The ref was talking with the players anyway, how could Modric get a yellow for time wasting?
— Semir (@IronLion_RM) September 26, 2017
The referee is just handing yellow cards to everyone like wth is going on?? Why did Modric get a card?
— Erika (@erivane07) September 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Ohhmyisco/status/912762269825732608
https://twitter.com/xtinap1/status/912760254118719488
