Raphinha Sent Off For Elbowing Gaston Alvarez As Barcelona Draw 0-0 At Getafe In La Liga Opener

Barcelona forward Raphinha was sent off against Getafe on Sunday. Raphinha received a direct red card for violent conduct after elbowing Gaston Alvarez.

Barcelona began the defense of their La Liga title with a 0-0 draw away at Getafe on Sunday night.

Raphinha was sent off 42 minutes into the game when he received a direct red card for violent conduct after throwing his right elbow into the head of Getafe left-back Gaston Alvarez.

This ugly off-the-ball incident occurred just four minutes after Raphinha had received a yellow card for another offense.

Referee Cesar Soto Grado initially looked poised to show Raphinha a second yellow before his assistant advised him to issue a straight red instead.

This was the first red card of Raphinha's Barca career. He had received 10 yellows during his first season with the Catalan club.

Barcelona forward Raphinha (center) was sent off in a 0-0 draw away at Getafe on Sunday :: IMAGO/Alberto Gardin

Getafe were later also reduced to 10 men when Jaime Mata picked up his second booking of the game 15 minutes after half-time.

Barca boss Xavi Hernandez was then sent off too after invading the personal space of the fourth official when complaining about another refereeing decision.

Xavi had to watch the final half-hour of the game from the away locker room at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

It looked like Barca were going to be awarded a penalty kick in the 13th minute of added time. But a controversial VAR review ruled that Gavi had handled the ball before Ronald Araujo was fouled.

Barca's draw at Getafe came 24 hours after Real Madrid began their La Liga campaign by winning 2-0 away at Athletic Bilbao. 

Highlights: Getafe 0-0 Barcelona